Battery connection method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved electrical connector for electrically connecting a rechargeable battery with an electrically powered device as well as methods of operation for use of an electrically powered device comprising the improved connector are provided. The connector may comprise one or more features including: integration of both first terminals for transmitting charging or discharging signals to and from the battery as well as one or more signal terminals for transmitting one or more balancing signals to and from the battery; implementation of communication means allowing for one or more signals comprising battery specific information to be received by the electrically powered device upon making an electrical connection with the battery; and, one or more safety features for preventing unsupported electrical connections between incompatible connector configurations. An electrically powered implemented with the improved electrical connector may detect one or more characteristics of a battery upon electrically connecting with the battery and may reconfigure one or more operational settings of the electrically powered device in response to the detected characteristics to safely charge or discharge the battery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and claims the benefit of the filing dateof, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/007,403entitled INTELLIGENT BATTERY POWERED SYSTEM CONNECTOR, filed Jun. 3,2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by referencefor all purposes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to battery-powered systems and, moreparticularly, to an intelligent battery connector for battery-poweredsystems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Radio Controlled (RC) model vehicles appeal to people of all ages andskill sets. Many people who own RC vehicles do not understand all of thetechnical details about their vehicles or equipment, but only want todrive their vehicles and have fun. Using batteries that are notcompatible with a particular vehicle's Electronic Speed Control (ESC) orbattery charger may have catastrophic consequences for the battery,model vehicle, charger, or ESC. During daily use of RC model vehicles,multiple battery types and chemistry types may be used. Battery voltagescan vary widely from less than 4.0V to greater than 25V. Many differentbattery chemistries are available; for example NiCd (Nickel Cadmium),NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride), LiPo (Lithium Polymer) and Pb (Lead Acid).Each time a different type of battery is used, settings need to bemodified on both the ESC (low voltage cutoff, for example) and batterycharger (charge termination voltage, for example) to ensure the batteryis not damaged. As customers and other users in the RC community usedifferent types of batteries, it has become evident that most users arenot properly educated on the differences and requirements of eachdifferent type; especially as it relates to the battery chemistry. Amismatch of settings on the battery charger may cause serious damage toproperty, particularly to the battery being charged. There is a need toreduce the danger of using a battery with an improperly paired deviceand reduce the amount of time it takes to modify the ESC and batterycharger settings for improving operation while also adding safetyfeatures to protect against damage from operation according to impropermodes or parameters.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods for detecting conditions of a battery andconfiguring a battery charger or ESC for charging or discharging thebattery in accordance with parameter settings suitable for theparticular battery in use are provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following DetailedDescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of an embodiment of a male connector alsoshown in FIGS. 7A-7C and 20;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the male connector also shown in FIGS.13-15;

FIG. 2 depicts a battery charger provided with a connector portcomprising a male connector;

FIGS. 3A-3C are exploded views of embodiments of a female connector;

FIG. 4 depicts a battery with an embodiment of a female connector;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a female connector shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of afemale connector;

FIG. 6 depicts a battery electrically connected to a battery charger;

FIGS. 7A-7C is a sectional view taken along section line B-B of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8A is a plan view of an electrically connected male and femaleconnector;

FIG. 8B is a cut away view along line A-A of FIG. 8A;

FIGS. 9-12 are front views showing several embodiments of male andfemale keying features;

FIG. 13 is a side phantom view of an embodiment of a male connector andan embodiment of a female connector in unconnected configuration;

FIG. 14 is a side phantom view of an embodiment of a male connector andan embodiment of a female connector in a first connected configuration;

FIG. 15 is a side phantom view of an embodiment of a male connector andan embodiment of a female connector in a second connected configuration;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electrically powereddevice with a connection port comprising an embodiment of a maleconnector and electrically connected to a battery;

FIG. 17 depicts a control method of an ESC with a connection portcomprising an embodiment of a male connector;

FIG. 18 depicts a control method of a battery charger with a connectionport comprising an embodiment of a male connector;

FIG. 19 is several front views of embodiments of a male connectorextended portion and corresponding embodiments of a female connectorextended portion with additional balance terminal receptacles;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are several views of embodiments of a male connectoralso shown in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are several views of embodiments of a male connectoralso shown in FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are several perspective views showing severalembodiments of male keying features;

FIG. 26 is several cutaway views of an assembled male and femaleconnector;

FIG. 27 is a cutaway view along line D-D of FIG. 26; and

FIG. 28 is a cutaway view along line A-A of FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention maybe practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagramform in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessarydetail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning electroniccommunications, electro-magnetic signaling techniques, RFID and thelike, have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considerednecessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention,and are considered to be within the understanding of persons of ordinaryskill in the relevant art.

The battery connector embodiments described herein present severalfeatures, functions, and characteristics for improving the safety andease of use of a rechargeable battery. Additionally, control methods forbattery charging or discharging devices, such as battery chargers orElectronic Speed Controllers (ESCs), which may be implemented with oneor more connector ports having some or all of the features, functions,and characteristics of the battery connector embodiments describedherein are provided.

The battery connector embodiments described may be suitable for use withbatteries of several chemistries and/or capacities, may provide forsingle port connection of a battery with a device charging ordischarging the battery, may provide one or more means of communicationof battery-specific information to a device charging or discharging thebattery, and may incorporate one or more features for preventingunsupported electrical connections. In an embodiment, unsupportedelectrical connections between a battery and a charging or dischargingdevice, such as a reverse polarity connection, connection between abattery of an incompatible chemistry type with a charging or dischargingdevice, and/or connection of a battery of an incompatible capacity witha charging or discharging device may be prevented through implementationof one or more keying features within the housings of the connector.

The battery connectors described herein may be configured to be suitablefor use with several battery chemistries, including Lithium Polymer(LiPo) type batteries and Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) type batteries. Insuch embodiments, the battery connectors described herein may beprovided with both main power terminals and balance signal terminalswithin a single connector housing, allowing for single plug electricalconnection between a battery comprising a battery connector as describedherein with a charging or discharging device provided with a compatiblebattery connector, as described herein. In such embodiments, thecharging or discharging device may be configured with logic fordetecting the battery chemistry and/or capacity of a batteryelectrically coupled to the device via the connectors having both mainpower and balance signal terminals within a single connector housing.

Additionally, or alternatively, in an embodiment, the connectorsdescribed herein may be implemented with components allowing forcommunication between a battery and a charging or discharging device towhich the battery is electrically connected. For example, wirelesscommunication between a battery and a charging or discharging device towhich the battery is electrically connected may be supported throughimplementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) components, suchas a RFID tags and readers. Battery specific information, such as thebattery chemistry type, capacity, cell count, suitable or optimal chargerates, the number of charges on the battery, and the like may becommunicated via the RFID components. The cell count may be a valueindicating the number of cells electrically connected to one another inseries comprising the battery. A cell may be several cells electricallyconnected together in parallel or an individual cell. In suchembodiments, the RFID components may be disposed within the respectiveconnectors at locations configured to ensure that the RFID componentsare within range to communicate with one another at all times when theconnectors are electrical connected to one another, preventingunsuitable or unsafe charging or discharging operations from beingperformed by the charging or discharging device.

Integrated Balance Terminals in Siamese Wiring Arrangement

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, embodiments of a male connector 100 areshown. The male connectors 100A, B may be configured to electricallyconnect with a female connector 200, described later in thisspecification. According to the male connector 100A, B embodimentsshown, the male connectors 100A, B may comprise a male housing 101A, B,respectively, two male power terminals 104A, B, two male balanceterminals 116A, B, two male power wires 108A, B, and two male signalwires 109A, B. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, ordifferent components than those shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and1B may be provided. For example, in an embodiment, additional, fewer, orno male balance terminals 116A, B and male signal wires 109A, B may beprovided. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more keying featuresmay be implemented within a male extended portion 102 of the malehousing 101A, B.

Further, in an alternative embodiment of the male connector 100A, one ormore male communication devices, such as an RFID reader, for example,may be provided. In such alternative embodiments, the relative locationsof one or more components of the male connector 100A may differ fromthose shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A. It is noted that a malecommunication device 106 is provided within the embodiment of the maleconnector 100B shown in FIG. 1B. The male communication device 106 andassociated functionality are not described in this section, but arediscussed later in this specification. In this section, features,functions, and components included within both of the male connector100A, B embodiments shown are discussed.

According to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the male connector100A, B may include the male housing 101A, B, respectively, which may becomposed of an electrically insulating material. The male housing 101A,B may comprise a plurality of internal features for at least partiallyenclosing and electrically isolating one or more internal components ofthe male connector 100A, B from one another as well as from externalobjects. As shown, the male housing 100A, BA, B may comprise a maleextended portion 102, a male raised portion 103, two male power terminalreceptacles 105A, B, and two male balance terminal receptacles 114A, B.In alternative embodiments, the male housing 100A, BA, B may beimplemented with additional, fewer, or different features and componentsthan those shown.

The male extended portion 102 may be configured to form a socket portionfor circumferentially surrounding one or more internal electricallyconductive components of the male connector 100A, B, such as the malepower terminals 104A, B and male balance terminals 116A, B. The socketformed by the male extended portion 102 may be spaced from therespective male terminals 104, 116 and configured to provide an areawithin which a plug portion of the female connector 200 may be received.

In an alternative embodiment, the male extended portion 102 may,instead, form a shroud only partially circumferentially surrounding therespective male terminals 104, 116 of the male connector 100A, B (asshown in the embodiment FIGS. 13-15). In such embodiments, the shroudformed by the male extended portion 102 may be spaced from therespective male terminals 104, 116 and configured to allow for receptionof a plug portion of the female connector 200 by the male connector100A, B. In certain embodiments, the male extended portion 102 may beimplemented with one or more keying features, such as grooves, notches,protrusions, and the like, for preventing unsupported electricalconnections via the connector 100A, B, such as electrical connectionsbetween incompatible devices and batteries. Certain specific keyingfeatures which may be provided are discussed in detail later in thisspecification.

In an embodiment, the male housing 101A, B may comprise the male powerterminal receptacles 105A, B for receiving the male power terminals104A, B, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 7A-7C. According tothe embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the male connector 100A, B maycomprise two male power terminal receptacles 105A, B for receiving eachof the two male power terminals 104A, B, respectively. In alternativeembodiments, additional or fewer male power terminals 104 may beprovided as well as additional or fewer male power terminal receptacles105. Regardless of the quantity of male power terminal receptacles 105provided, each may comprise one or more internal features, such asnotches, protrusions, grooves, and the like configured to hold the malepower terminals 104 in place when received within the respective malepower terminal receptacles 105.

The male power terminals 104A, B may comprise an electrically conductivematerial, such as brass, copper, or bronze. The male power terminals104A, B shown may be made from a standard plate of material and punchedformed to the correct size and configuration, among other methods offorming. A portion of the length of the male power terminals 104A, B mayprotrude into the male extended portion 102 of the male housing 101A, B.In an embodiment, the male extended portion 102 of the male housing101A, B may provide an insulating barrier extending circumferentiallyaround the portions of the male power terminals 104A, B protruding intothe male extended portion 102. While received within the respectivereceptacles 105A, B, the male power terminals 104A, B may beelectrically insulated from each other as well as from the male balanceterminals 116A, B of the male connector 100A, B by the respective malepower terminal receptacles 105A, B as well as one or more internal wallswithin the male extended portion 102 of the male housing 101A, B.

The male power terminals 104A, B may electrically couple to therespective male power wires 108A, B, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. In anembodiment, the male power wires 108A, B may be high-current capacitywires, such as 12AWG wires, for example, for receiving and transmittingone or more signals, which may include one or more power signals forcharging or discharging a battery. The male power terminals 104A, B mayelectrically couple to the male power wires 108A, B, respectively, viasoldered connections, mechanical fastening, standard insulated andnon-insulated connector fittings, crimping, or any other suitablemethods of electrically coupling a wire conductor to a terminal. Themale power wires 108A, B, respectively, may be electrically insulatedalong their lengths using one or more layers of insulating material (notlabeled).

The male power terminals 104A, B may be configured to electricallyconnect with corresponding female power terminals of a female connectorat the portions of the male power terminals 104A, B protruding into themale extended portion 102. The portion of the male power terminals 104A,B (not labeled) protruding into the male extended portion 102 forcontacting corresponding female power terminals may comprise the contactsurfaces of the male power terminals 104A, B. The male connector 100A, Bmay receive one or more power signals via the male power terminals 104A,B when the male connector 100A, B is electrically connected to a femaleconnector 200 at the male power terminals 104A, B. In an embodiment, themale connector 100A, B may be implemented within an electrically powereddevice, such as an ESC or battery charger, for example, which mayoperate to charge or discharge a battery electrically connected to theelectrically powered device at the male connector 100A, B. In suchembodiments, the male power wires 108A, B may electrically connect withone or more internal components of the electrically powered device todirectly or indirectly electrically connect the internal components ofthe electrically powered device to a battery via the male powerterminals 104A, B of the male connector 100A, B.

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 7A-7C, the male housing100A, B may comprise the male balance terminal receptacles 114A, B forreceiving the male balance terminals 116A, B, respectively. The malebalance terminal receptacles 114A, B may comprise one or more internalfeatures, such as notches, protrusions, grooves, and the like configuredto hold the respective male balance terminals 116A, B in place whenreceived within the male balance terminal receptacles 114A, B. A portionof the length of the respective male balance terminals 116A, B mayprotrude beyond the male balance terminal receptacles 114A, B and intothe male extended portion 102 of the male housing 100A, B. The maleextended portion 102 may provide an insulating barrier around theportions of the respective male balance terminals 116A, B protrudinginto the male extended portion 102 in a manner similar to that describedabove, in reference to the male power terminals 104A, B. While receivedwithin the respective male balance terminal receptacles 114A, B, themale balance terminals 116A, B may be electrically insulated from eachother as well as from the male power terminals 104A, B of the maleconnector 100A, B by the respective male balance terminal receptacles114A, B as well as one or more internal walls within the male extendedportion 102 of the male housing 100A, B.

The male balance terminals 116A, B may comprise an electricallyconductive material, such as brass, copper, or bronze, or the like.According to the embodiment shown, the male balance terminals 116A, Bmay each comprise an electrically conductive pin of a type which may beused to make a pin type electrical connection. In an embodiment, forexample, the male balance terminals 116A, B may each be JST typeconnectors of any series or pitch suitable for performing the functionsdescribed, herein. The male balance terminals 116A, B may be configuredto be suitable for transmitting one or more signals for charging ordischarging a battery of a type and cell count described, herein.

The male balance terminals 116A, B may electrically couple to therespective male signal wires 109A, B. The male signal wires 109A, B maybe low-current capacity wires, such as 24AWG wires, for example, forreceiving and transmitting one or more signals, including one or morebalance signals received via the male balance terminals 116A, B. Themale balance terminals 116A, B may electrically couple to the malesignal wires 109A, B, respectively, via crimped connections, solderedconnections, mechanical fasteners, standard insulated and non-insulatedconnector fittings, or any other suitable methods of electricallycoupling a wire conductor to a pin type connector terminal. The malesignal wires 109A, B, respectively, may be electrically insulated alongtheir lengths using one or more layers of insulating material.

In an embodiment, the male signal wires 109A, B may directly orindirectly electrically connect with one or more internal components ofan electrically powered device within which the male connector 100A, Bis implemented. According to such embodiments, one or more balancesignals received via the male balance terminals 116A and/or 116B may betransmitted directly or indirectly to one or more internal components ofthe electrically powered device.

The male balance terminals 116A, B may each electrically connect withcorresponding balance terminals of a female connector at the portions ofthe respective male balance terminals 116A, B protruding into the maleextended portion 102. In an embodiment, the female connector may beelectrically connected to a single or multi-cell battery. In suchembodiments, the male balance terminals 116 may accommodate electricalconnection with the individual cells of a multi-cell battery allowingfor cell specific charging or discharging operation of the battery to beperformed by an electrically powered device via the male connector 100A,B. For example, a commonly used rechargeable battery, a LiPo battery,may be implemented with a female connector having female balanceterminals. In such an embodiment, the female balance terminals mayelectrically connect to one or more individual cells of the battery andmay, further, electrically connect to an electrically powered device viaelectrical connections made with male balance terminals 116 of the maleconnector 100A, B. The electrically powered device may be operated tocharge or discharge the individual cells of the LiPo battery to maintainthe charge on each respective battery cell within a tolerance amount ofone another or to prevent over or under charge conditions on one or morecells of the LiPo battery.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the maleconnector 100A, B may be suitable for electrically connecting withbatteries comprising up to three cells using the male balance terminals116A, B as well as the main power terminals 104A, B. In alternativeembodiments, additional male balance terminals 116 may be provided, aswell as additional male balance terminal receptacles 114, to accommodateelectrical connection with batteries having larger cell counts via themale connector 100A, B. For example, in an embodiment, additional malebalance terminals 116 and male balance terminal receptacles 114 may beprovided to allow the male connector 100A, B to accommodate electricalconnections between higher capacity devices, such as a between an ESC orbattery charger and a multi-cell battery comprising more than threecells.

Exemplary alternative embodiments of the male extended portion 102E-Hwhich may be implemented within the male connectors 100A, B are shown inFIG. 19. The male extended portions 102E-H may accommodate electricalconnection with batteries comprising more than three cells. Theembodiments of the male extended portion 102E-H shown in FIG. 19 mayinclude additional male balance terminal receptacles 114 for receivingone or more additional male balance terminals 116. The male extendedportion 102E may be implemented within an embodiment of the maleconnector 100 to accommodate connections with batteries comprising up tofour cells. The male extended portions 102F or 102G may be implementedwithin an embodiment of the male connector 100 to accommodateconnections with batteries comprising up to five cells. The maleextended portion 102H may be implemented within an embodiment of themale connector 100 to accommodate connections with batteries comprisingup to six cells. It is noted that the embodiments shown in FIG. 19 areprovided for illustrative purposes, only, and shall not be construed aslimiting the scope of this description.

Advantageously, for each of the embodiments described, integration ofthe male balance terminals 116 and the male power terminals 104 withinthe male connector 100A, B, may allow for all terminals of a multi-cellbattery implemented with the female connector 200, described below, tobe simultaneously electrically connected. Both the power terminals andbalance terminals of a multi-cell battery implemented with the femaleconnector 200 may be electrically connected with the respective malepower and balance terminals 104, 116 of the male connector 100A, B viainsertion of the female connector 200 within the extended portions 102of the male connectors 100 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C and 13-15, discussedbelow. According to such connector configurations, the potential for auser to neglect electrically connecting one or more power or balanceterminals of a battery to an electrically powered device, such as an ESCor battery charger, is eliminated.

Referring to FIGS. 20-23, several additional views showing variousfeatures of the embodiments of the male connector 100A, B are provided.The features shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 correspond to features of the maleconnector 100A, described above. The features shown in FIGS. 22 and 23correspond to several features of the male connector 100B which aredescribed above. Additionally, FIGS. 22 and 23 show several features ofthe male connector 100B which are described later in this description.The FIGS. 20-23 provided are not specifically discussed herein to avoidinclusion of unnecessary or redundant language within thisspecification. The views of FIGS. 20-23 are provided for the purpose ofmore clearly showing aspects of the several features of the maleconnector 100 embodiments described above.

The male connector 100A, B, according to the embodiments described, maybe compatible for electrically connecting with corresponding femaleconnectors, such as the female connectors 200A-C shown in FIGS. 3A-3C.The embodiments of the female connectors 200A-C shown in FIGS. 3A-3Ccomprise illustrative examples of the various female connectorembodiments contemplated. The specific embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C areprovided for the purpose of illustrating several features, functions,and components which may be included within an embodiment of the femaleconnector 200. The embodiments shown, herein, shall not be construed aslimiting the scope of this description to merely the embodiments shown.The male connector 100A, B may be compatible for electrically connectingwith embodiments of the female connector 200 having differentconfigurations than those of the specific embodiments shown in FIGS.3A-3C in accordance with the male connector 100A, B embodiments andalternatives described in this specification.

Referring to FIG. 3A, an embodiment of a first female connector 200A isshown. The first female connector 200A may be utilized as an electricalconnector for use with rechargeable batteries of one or more specificchemistry types. According to the embodiment shown, for example, thefirst female connector 200A may be configured for use with certainbattery chemistries, such as NiMH type battery, for example, which donot require balanced charging or discharging operation. As shown, thefirst female connector 200A may comprise the female housing 201, theresilient members 203A, B, the female power terminals 204A, B, and thehigh current wires 208A, B. The first female connector 200A may,additionally, be provided with a communication device 206, as shown. Thefeatures, functions, and characteristics associated to such anembodiment are described later in this specification. It is noted,however, that in an alternative embodiment, the first female connector200A may not be implemented with the communication device 206.

The first female connector 200A may comprise the female housing 201. Thefemale housing 201 may be composed of an electrically insulatingmaterial for electrically isolating one or more components of the firstfemale connector 200A which may be disposed within the female housing201. According to the embodiment shown, the female housing 201 maycomprise a female extended portion 202B, two female power terminalreceptacles 205A, B, two female balance terminal receptacles 214A, B, afemale communication device receptacle 207, and a first female keyingfeature 212A (discussed later in this specification). In alternativeembodiments additional, fewer, or different components or features maybe provided.

In alternative embodiments the female housing 201 may include a femaleextended portion 202 comprising a different configuration, such as anyof the female extended portions 202A-D shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, 9-12, and19, for example. Additionally, or alternatively, in an alternativeembodiment the female communication device 206 may not be provided. Insuch embodiments, the female communication device receptacle 207 may ormay not be provided. In alternative embodiments, additional or fewerfemale balance terminal receptacles 214 may also be provided, regardlessof whether the some, all, or none of the female balance terminalreceptacles 214 provided are populated. Several embodiments in whichadditional female balance terminals are shown in FIG. 19, which areprovided for illustrative purposes, only.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the female housing 201 maycomprise the second female extended portion 202B which may form a plugportion of the first female connector 200A. In alternative embodiments,the first female connector 200A may comprise any of the female extendedportions 202A-H. The plug formed by the second female extended portion202B may be configured such that it may be received within the socket orshroud formed by one or more specific embodiments of the male extendedportion 102 which may be implemented within the male connector 100A, B.In an embodiment, the second female extended portion 202B may compriseone or more keying features, such as grooves, notches, protrusions, andthe like, which may correspond to one or more keying featuresimplemented within a specific embodiment of the male connector 100A, B.Specific keying features that may be provided are discussed later inthis specification.

In an embodiment, the female housing 201 may comprise the female powerterminal receptacles 205A, B. The female power terminal receptacles205A, B may each comprise channels passing through the female housing201. The female power terminal receptacles 205A, B may be configured topartially enclose and electrically insulate the female power terminals204A, B, respectively. In an embodiment, the female power terminalreceptacles 205A, B, respectively, may comprise one or more internalfeatures, such as notches, protrusions, grooves, and the like configuredto hold the respective female power terminals 204A, B in place whenreceived within the female power terminal receptacles 205A, B. Thefemale power terminals 204A, B may be disposed within the female housing201 such that the female housing 201 may provide an insulating barrierextending circumferentially around the female power terminals 204A, B.While received within the respective female power terminal receptacles205A, B, the female power terminals 204A, B may be electricallyinsulated from each other by the respective female power terminalreceptacles 205A, B as well as one or more internal walls of the femalehousing 201.

The female power terminal receptacles 205A, B may additionally beconfigured to receive the male power terminals 104A, B, respectively,when the plug formed by the second female extended portion 202B is atleast partially inserted within the male extended portion 102. Whenreceived within the respective female power terminal receptacles 205A,B, the male power terminals 104A, B may be electrically connected withthe respective female power terminals 204A, B. Additionally, oralternatively, the first female connector 200A may include the resilientmembers 203A, B. The resilient members 203A, B, respectively, may bedisposed within the female power terminal receptacles 205A, B. In anembodiment, the resilient members 203A, B may be configured to deformfrom their free shape to provide a biasing force for pressing the femalepower terminals 204A, B into contact with the respective male powerterminals 104A, B of the male connector 100A, B when the first femaleconnector 200A is electrically connected to the male connector 100A, B.In alternative embodiments, the first female connector 200A may compriseadditional, fewer, or no resilient members 203A, B.

The female power terminals 204A, B may comprise electrically conductiveplates of material which may be disposed within the respective femalepower terminal receptacles 205A, B. In an embodiment, the female powerterminals 204A, B may be composed of brass, copper, bronze, or the like.The female power terminals 204A, B shown may be made from a standardplate of material and punch formed to the correct size andconfiguration, among other methods of forming. As shown in FIG. 3A, thefemale power terminals 204A, B may electrically couple to the femalepower wires 208A, B, respectively. In an embodiment, the female powerwires 208A, B may be high-current capacity wires, such as 12AWG wires,for example, configured to receive and/or transmit one or more powersignals. The female power terminals 204A, B may electrically couple tothe wires 208A, B, respectively, via soldered connections, mechanicalfastening, standard insulated and non-insulated connector fittings,crimping, or any other suitable methods of electrically coupling a wireconductor to a terminal. The female power wires 208A, B, respectively,may be electrically insulated along their lengths using one or morelayers of insulating material (not labeled).

The female balance terminal receptacles 214A, B may each comprisechannels passing through the female housing 201. The female balanceterminal receptacles 214A, B may be configured to partially enclose andelectrically insulate the female balance terminals 216A, B,respectively, when provided. Further, in an embodiment, the femalebalance terminal receptacles 214A, B, respectively, may comprise one ormore internal features, such as notches, protrusions, grooves, and thelike for receiving the female balance terminals 216, if provided, withinthe female balance terminal receptacles 214A, B. It is noted that in thecurrent embodiment, as shown, no female balance terminals 216 areprovided. As such, the female balance terminal receptacles 214A, B maybe unpopulated.

In an embodiment, the first female connector 200A may be implementedwithin a rechargeable battery. The female power terminals 204A, B mayoperatively electrically connect to positive and negative electricalcircuits, respectively, of the battery via the wires 208A, B. In such anembodiment, one or more power signals for charging or discharging thebattery may be transmitted to or from an electrically powered device towhich the battery is electrically connected via the female powerterminals 204A, B.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a section view showing the electrical connectionsmade when the female extended portion 202 (not labeled) of the firstfemale connector 200A is inserted within the corresponding male extendedportion 102 of the male connector 100A, B is shown. The electricalconnections shown may comprise a typical arrangement for electricallyconnecting a NiMH type battery to an electrically powered device viaelectrical connections made between the male connector 100A, B and thefirst female connector 200A. As shown, the female power terminals 204A,B may electrically connect with the respective male power terminals104A, B of the male connector 100A, B when the female extended portion202 of the first female connector 200A is inserted within thecorresponding male extended portion 102 of the male connector 100A, B.When electrically connected, one or more power signals may betransmitted via the electrical connections shown. In an embodiment, forexample, an ESC or battery charger may receive one or more power signalsfrom a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the ESC or batterycharger via the electrical connections made between the male connector100A, B and the first female connector 200A, as shown in FIG. 7A.Importantly, according to the current arrangement, no signal, orsignals, may be received or transmitted via the male balance terminals116A, B since no corresponding female balance terminals 216 areprovided.

In an embodiment, a smart ESC or charger may detect the absence of oneor more balancing signals received via the balance terminals 116A, B ofthe male connector 100A, B to determine one or more characteristics of abattery electrically connected to the smart ESC or charger at the maleconnector 100A. The smart ESC or charger may, for example, determine thebattery chemistry or cell count from absence of one or more balancingsignals received via the balance terminals 116A, B. Further, the smartESC or charger may set or modify one or more parameter settings definingone or more aspects of a charging or discharging operation, such assetting or modifying a low voltage cutoff, setting or modifying a chargecurrent voltage, setting or modifying a charge or discharge mode, orsome other similar parameter at least partially defining a charging ordischarging operation, for example.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a second female connector 200B is shown. As shown,the second female connector 200B may comprise the female housing 201,the resilient members 203A, B, the female power terminals 204A, B, andthe high current wires 208A, B, the female balance terminal 216A, andthe female signal wire 218A. One or more of the components comprisingthe second female connector 200B may comprise some or all of thefeatures, functions, and characteristics as described above in referenceto the first female connector 200A. Additionally, the second femaleconnector 200B may include the female balance terminal 216A, which maybe disposed within the female balance terminal receptacle 214A and mayelectrically couple to the female signal wire 218A. According to thespecific embodiments shown, the second female connector 200B may,additionally, be provided with a communication device 206. The features,functions, and characteristics associated to such an embodiment aredescribed later in this specification. It is noted, however, that in analternative embodiment, the second female connector 200B may not beimplemented with the communication device 206.

According to the embodiment shown, the second female connector 200B maybe implemented with the female balance terminal 216A which may bedisposed within the female balance terminal receptacle 214A. The femalebalance terminal receptacle 214A may comprise a channel passing throughthe female housing 201. The female balance terminal receptacle 214A maybe configured to partially enclose and electrically insulate the femalebalance terminal 216A. In an embodiment, the female balance terminalreceptacle 214A may comprise one or more internal features, such asnotches, protrusions, grooves, and the like configured to hold thefemale balance terminal 216A in place within the female balance terminalreceptacles 214A. According to the embodiment shown, while receivedwithin the female balance terminal receptacle 214A, the female balanceterminal 216A may be electrically insulated from the other female powerterminals 204 by the female balance terminal receptacle 214A walls. Thefemale balance terminal receptacle 214A may additionally be configuredto receive the male balance terminal 116A when the plug formed by thefirst female extended portion 202 is at least partially inserted withinthe corresponding male extended portion 102 of the male connector 100A.When received within the female balance terminal receptacle 214A, themale balance terminal 116A may be electrically connected with the femalebalance terminal 216A.

The female balance terminal 216A may comprise an electrically conductivematerial such as brass, copper, or bronze, or the like, and may beconfigured to receive and electrically connect with an electricallyconductive pin type terminal. In an embodiment, for example, the femalebalance terminal 216A may be a receptacle portion of a JST typeconnector. In such an embodiment, the female balance terminal 216A maybe a receptacle portion of any series or pitch suitable for performingthe functions described, herein, and suitable for receiving and/ortransmitting one or more balance signals for charging or dischargingbatteries of the types and capacities described, herein.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the female balance terminal 216A may electricallycouple to the female signal wire 218A. The female signal wire 218A maybe low-current capacity wire, such as 24AWG wire, for example, forreceiving and transmitting one or more signals, including one or morebalance signals. In an embodiment, the female balance terminal 216A mayelectrically couple to the female signal wire 218A via a crimpedconnection, soldered connection, a mechanical fastener, a standardinsulated and non-insulated connector fitting, or any other suitablemeans for electrically coupling a wire conductor to a connector. Thefemale signal wires 218A, B, respectively, may be electrically insulatedalong their lengths using one or more layers of insulating material (notlabeled).

In an embodiment, the second female connector 200B may be utilized as anelectrical connector for use with rechargeable batteries of one or morespecific chemistry types and/or cell counts. According to the embodimentshown, for example, the second female connector 200B may be configuredfor use with battery chemistries suitable for use in a two cellconfiguration, such as 2S LiPo type battery, for example, which mayrequire balanced charging or discharging operation.

Certain battery types, such as LiPo batteries, may include balance tapsinternal to the battery for reading individual cell voltages of one ormore cells comprising the battery. Importantly, during charging ordischarging operation of such batteries, a charge imbalance between therespective cells of the battery may create a harmful or hazardouscondition. Such batteries may be provided with a female connector, suchas the second female connector 200B, for example, which may include oneor more female balance terminals 216, such as the female balanceterminal 216A, for electrically connecting with balance taps within abattery. The female balance terminals 216 provided may transmit one ormore signals from the battery indicating one or more individual cellvoltages of one or more cells comprising the battery to a deviceelectrically connected to the respective female balance terminals 216and charging or discharging the battery. When implemented within a 2SLiPo battery, the female signal wire 218A of the second female connector200B may directly or indirectly electrically couple with one or bothindividual cells within the 2S LiPo battery.

Referring to FIG. 7B, a section view showing the electrical connectionsmade when the plug portion formed by the female extended portion 202 ofthe second female connector 200B is inserted within the correspondingmale extended portion 102 of the male connector 100A, B is shown. Thismay be a typical assembly of a male and female connector forelectrically connecting a 2S LiPo battery to an electrically powereddevice, such as an ESC or battery charger, for charging or dischargingthe 2S LiPo battery. As shown, the female power terminals 204A, B mayelectrically connect with the male power terminals 104A, B of the maleconnector 100A, B when the female extended portion 202 of the secondfemale connector 200B is at least partially inserted within thecorresponding male extended portion 102 of the male connector 100A.

When electrically connected, one or more power signals may be receivedfrom or transmitted to the male power terminals 104A, B of the maleconnector 100A, B by the 2S LiPo battery via the electrical connectionsmade between respective male power terminals 104A, B and the femalepower terminals 204A, B. In an embodiment, an ESC or battery charger maydirectly charge or discharge the 2S LiPo battery via the one or morepower signals received or transmitted across the electrical connectionsmade between the respective male power terminals 104A, B and the femalepower terminals 204A, B.

Additionally, the female balance terminal 216A may electrically connectwith the male balance terminal 116A of the male connector 100A, B whenthe female extended portion 202 of the second female connector 200B isat least partially inserted within the corresponding male extendedportion 102 of the male connector 100A. When electrically connected, oneor more balance signals may be received from or transmitted to 2S LiPobattery via the electrical connection made between the male balanceterminal 116A and the female balance terminal 216A. In an embodiment, anESC or battery charger may directly charge or discharge the 2S LiPobattery via the one or more balance signals received or transmittedacross the electrical connections made between the respective malebalance terminal 116A and the female balance terminal 216A.

Importantly, at least one balancing signal may be received by anelectrically powered device electrically connected to a 2S LiPo batteryvia the electrical connection made between the female balance terminal216A and the male balance terminal 116A. Further, no balancing signalmay be received by an electrically powered device electrically connectedto a 2S LiPo battery via the male balance terminal 116B since nocorresponding female balance terminal 216B is provided within the secondfemale connector 200B. In an embodiment, a smart ESC or charger maydetect the voltage of one or more balancing signals received via thebalance terminal 116A of the male connector 100A, B to determine one ormore characteristics of a battery electrically connected to the smartESC or charger at the male connector 100A. The smart ESC or charger may,for example, determine the battery chemistry or cell count from thedetection, or non-detection, of one or more balancing signals receivedvia the balance terminal 116A. Further, the smart ESC or charger may setor modify one or more parameter settings defining one or more aspects ofa charging or discharging operation, such as setting or modifying a lowvoltage cutoff, setting or modifying a charge current voltage, settingor modifying a charge or discharge mode, or some other similar parameterat least partially defining a charging or discharging operation, forexample.

Referring to FIG. 3C, a third female connector 200C is shown. As shown,the third female connector 200C may comprise the female housing 201, theresilient members 203A, B, the female power terminals 204A, B, and thehigh current wires 208A, B, the female balance terminals 216A, B, andthe female signal wires 218A, B. One or more of the componentscomprising the third female connector 200C may comprise some or all ofthe features, functions, and characteristics as described above inreference to the second female connector 200B. Additionally, the thirdfemale connector 200C may include the female balance terminal 216B,which may be disposed within the female balance terminal receptacle 214Band may electrically couple to the female signal wire 218B. According tothe specific embodiments shown, the third female connector 200C may,additionally, be provided with a communication device 206. The features,functions, and characteristics associated to such an embodiment aredescribed later in this specification. It is noted, however, that in analternative embodiment, the third female connector 200C may not beimplemented with the communication device 206.

According to the embodiment shown, the third female connector 200C maybe implemented with the female balance terminals 216A, B which may bedisposed within the respective female balance terminal receptacles 214A,B. The female balance terminal receptacles 214A, B may each comprise achannel passing through the female housing 201. The female balanceterminal receptacles 214A, B may be configured to partially enclose andelectrically insulate the respective female balance terminals 216A, B.In an embodiment, the female balance terminal receptacles 214A, B mayeach comprise one or more internal features, such as notches,protrusions, grooves, and the like configured to hold the respectivefemale balance terminals 216A, B in place within the female balanceterminal receptacles 214A, B. According to the embodiment shown, whilereceived within the respective female balance terminal receptacles 214A,B, the female balance terminals 216A, B may be electrically insulatedfrom the female power terminals 204 by the respective female balanceterminal receptacle 214A, B walls. The female balance terminalreceptacles 214A, B may additionally be configured to receive therespective male balance terminals 116A, B when the plug formed by thefemale extended portion 202 is at least partially inserted within thecorresponding male extended portion 102 of the male connector 100A. Whenreceived within the respective female balance terminal receptacles 214A,B, the male balance terminals 116A, B may be electrically connected withthe respective female balance terminals 216A, B.

The female balance terminals 216A, B may comprise an electricallyconductive material such as brass, copper, or bronze, or the like, andmay be configured to receive and electrically connect with anelectrically conductive pin type terminal. In an embodiment, forexample, the female balance terminals 216A, B may each be receptacleportions of a JST type connector. In such an embodiment, the femalebalance terminals 216A, B may be a receptacle portion of any series orpitch suitable for performing the functions described, herein, andsuitable for receiving and/or transmitting one or more balance signalsfor charging or discharging batteries of the types and capacitiesdescribed, herein.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the respective female balance terminals 216A, B mayelectrically couple to the female signal wires 218A, B, respectively.The female signal wires 218A, B may each be low-current capacity wires,such as 24AWG wires, for example, for receiving and transmitting one ormore signals, including one or more balance signals. In an embodiment,the respective female balance terminals 216A, B may electrically coupleto the respective female signal wires 218A, B via crimped or solderedconnections, mechanical fasteners, standard insulated or non-insulatedconnector fittings, or any other suitable means for electricallycoupling a wire conductor to a connector terminal. The female signalwires 218A, B, respectively, may be electrically insulated along theirlengths using one or more layers of insulating material (not labeled).

In an embodiment, the third female connector 200C may be utilized as anelectrical connector for use with rechargeable batteries of one or morespecific chemistry types and/or cell counts. According to the embodimentshown, for example, the third female connector 200C may be best suitedfor use with batteries having three cells, such as a 3S LiPo typebattery, for example, which may require balanced charging or dischargingoperation. It is noted, however, that the third female connector 200Cmay be suitable for use with single and two cell batteries, as well,although one or more female balance terminals 216A and/or 216B as wellas one or more female signal wires 218A and/or 218B would be unused insuch applications. When implemented within a 3S LiPo battery, therespective female balance wires 218A, B of the third female connector200C may directly or indirectly electrically couple with one or moreindividual cells within the 3S LiPo battery for transmission of one ormore balance signals between the 3S LiPo battery and an electricallypowered device to which the 3S LiPo battery is electrically connected.

Referring to FIG. 7C, a section view showing the electrical connectionsmade when the plug portion formed by the female extended portion 202 ofthe third female connector 200C is inserted within the correspondingmale extended portion 102 of the male connector 100A, B is shown. Thismay be a typical assembly of a male and female connector forelectrically connecting a 3S LiPo battery to an electrically powereddevice, such as an ESC or battery charger, for charging or dischargingthe 3S LiPo battery.

As shown, the female power terminals 204A, B may electrically connectwith the male power terminals 104A, B of the male connector 100A, B whenthe female extended portion 202 of the third female connector 200C is atleast partially inserted within the corresponding male extended portion102 of the male connector 100A. When electrically connected, one or morepower signals may be received from or transmitted to the male powerterminals 104A, B of the male connector 100A, B by the 3S LiPo batteryvia the electrical connections made between respective male powerterminals 104A, B and the female power terminals 204A, B. In anembodiment, an ESC or battery charger may directly charge or dischargethe 3S LiPo battery via the one or more power signals received ortransmitted across the electrical connections made between therespective male power terminals 104A, B and the female power terminals204A, B.

Additionally, the female balance terminals 216A, B may electricallyconnect with the respective male balance terminals 116A, B of the maleconnector 100A, B when the female extended portion 202 of the thirdfemale connector 200C is at least partially inserted within thecorresponding male extended portion 102 of the male connector 100A. Whenelectrically connected, one or more balance signals may be received fromor transmitted to 3S LiPo battery via the electrical connections madebetween the respective male balance terminals 116A, B and the femalebalance terminals 216A, B. In an embodiment, an ESC or battery chargermay directly charge or discharge the 3S LiPo battery via the one or morebalance signals received or transmitted across the electricalconnections made between the respective male balance terminals 116A, Band the female balance terminals 216A, B.

Importantly, at least one balancing signal may be received by anelectrically powered device electrically connected to a 3S LiPo batteryvia the electrical connection made between the female balance terminals216A, B and the respective male balance terminals 116A, B. In anembodiment, a smart ESC or charger may detect the voltage of one or morebalancing signals received via the balance terminal 116A of the maleconnector 100A, B to determine one or more characteristics of a batteryelectrically connected to the smart ESC or charger at the male connector100A. The smart ESC or charger may, for example, determine the batterychemistry or cell count from the detection, or non-detection, of one ormore balancing signals received via the balance terminal 116A. Further,the smart ESC or charger may set or modify one or more parametersettings defining one or more aspects of a charging or dischargingoperation, such as setting or modifying a low voltage cutoff, setting ormodifying a charge current voltage, setting or modifying a charge ordischarge mode, or some other similar parameter at least partiallydefining a charging or discharging operation, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, a single female balance terminal 216 may beneeded to accommodate charging and discharging operation of a 2S LiPobattery while two balance terminals 216 may be needed to accommodatecharging and discharging operation of a 3S LiPo battery. In furtheralternative configurations, the female connector 200 may be providedwith additional balance terminals 216 to accommodate charging anddischarging operation of batteries comprising four or more cells.Accordingly, the male connector 100A, B may be similarly provided withadditional male balance terminals 116 for accommodating charging and/ordischarging operation of such larger cell batteries. Such alternativeembodiments of the male and female connectors, configured to accommodatelarger multi-cell batteries may comprise components, features, andfunctions similar to those described in herein, and below, whilecomprising additional balance terminals and corresponding wiring forelectrically connecting with the balance taps of a larger multi-cellbattery.

Referring to FIG. 19, several alternative male and female extendedportions 102E-H, 202E-H, respectively, are shown. The male and femaleextended portions 102E-H, 202E-H shown may include additional balanceterminal receptacles 114, 214 for receiving additional male and femalebalance terminals required to accommodate charging and dischargingoperation of multi-cell batteries implemented with four cell (see 102E,202E), five cell (see 102F and 102G, 202F and 202G), and six cell (see102H, 202H) batteries. Each embodiment shown may be incorporated into amale or female connector 100, 200 embodiment similarly configured toaccommodate the additional balance terminals 116, 216 and may beoperated in accordance with devices and methods similar to thosedescribed herein and below.

As noted above, multi-cell batteries, such as LiPo batteries, mayrequire that all balance taps of the battery be electrically connectedto an electrically powered device which may be charging or dischargingthe multi-cell battery to prevent potentially damaging and unsafecharging and/or discharging of the multi-cell battery. If the balancetaps are not electrically connected during a charging operation, thebattery can become dangerous and cause injury or property damage.Additionally, if the balance taps are not electrically connected duringa discharging operation, the cells of the battery may be dischargedbelow a minimum charge, damaging the battery and potentially preventingrecharging of the battery. Providing a connector, such as the femaleconnectors 200, which may be implemented with a multi-cell rechargeablebattery and include female balance terminals 216 integrated within asingle connector as the female power terminals 204 ensure that thebalance taps within a multi-cell battery are electrically connected toan electrically powered device at all times when the battery iselectrically connected to the device at the female power terminals 204.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5A, a typical wiring arrangement forproviding protection for the female signal wires 218A, B of the thirdfemale connector 200C when implemented with the battery 30, which may bea 3S LiPo battery, is shown. An alternative wiring arrangement, in whichthe relative positions of the respective female power wires 208A, B andfemale signal wires 218A, B is shown in FIG. 5B. Virtually all LiPobatteries are implemented balance taps, wiring, and terminals. Duringuse, the balance taps, wiring, and terminals can be damaged. When usedwith radio controlled model vehicles, for example, the balance taps,wiring, and terminals of a multi-cell battery may experience roughhandling, harsh driving and operating conditions, and impacts that maydamage the balance taps, wiring, and terminals of the multi-cellbattery. In fact, the most commonly damaged components of LiPo batteriesis damage to the balance taps, wiring, and terminals of the LiPobattery. During use, the small wires (typically 24 AWG or smaller) cantear out of the LiPo pack, rub through the wire coating and damage thewires, or be ripped complete off of the pack.

The embodiments of FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B are provided to show wiringarrangements which may be implemented with the male connectors 100 orthe female connectors 200 described herein which may comprise at leastone signal wire 118, 218. According to the particular embodiment shown,the Siamese style wiring arrangements may provide for electricallyinsulating the respective power and signal wires connecting the cells ofthe battery 30 to the third female connector 200C. One or morecollections of wires comprising at least one female power wire 208 andone or more female signal wires 218 may be enclosed within a singlepiece of molded wire insulation 209A, B along their respective lengths.The molded wiring insulation 209A, B may physically couple the smallergauge (24AWG, for example) female signal wires 218A, B to the respectivelarge gauge (12AWG, for example) female power wires 208A, B. As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the respective female signal wires 218A, B and femalepower wires 208A, B enclosed within the respective molded wireinsulation 209A, B remain electrically insulated from one another as aportion of the insulating material comprising the molded wire insulation209A, B is interposed between the respective female signal wires 218A, Band female power wires 208A, B.

The Siamese wiring arrangement may improve the reliability of the maleconnectors 100 and the female connectors 200 by improving the resistanceto damage of the signal wires 109, 218, respectively, caused by bending,twisting, or impacts with sharp or heavy objects experienced by thesignal wires 109, 218, respectively. In each such instance, therespective large gauge power wires 108, 208 may shield, resist, orabsorb forces that may otherwise damage the signal wires 109, 218.Further, when the Siamese wiring arrangement is implemented with maleconnectors 100 and/or the female connectors 200, respectively, kinkingand twisting of the respective signal wires near the electrical wire toterminal couplings of the respective connectors 100, 200 may beeliminated. The relative locations of the signal terminal receptacles114, 214 and the power terminal receptacles 105, 205 of the connectors100, 200 may be positioned to provide for substantially straight linepaths along a portion of the lengths of the respective power wires 108,204 and signal wires 109, 118 along the lengths of the respective wiresproximal to the connectors 100, 200.

Keying Features

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, several male extended portion 102configurations as well as several female extended portion 202configurations are shown. The configurations shown may comprise nomechanical keying features 112, 212, one mechanical keying feature 112,212, or a plurality of mechanical keying features 112, 212. Themechanical keying features 112, 212 shown may be implemented to preventunsupported electrical connections between a male connector 100A, Band afemale connector 200. An unsupported electrical connection may be aconnection between two incompatible devices or, alternatively, may be areverse polarity connection.

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 9-12, the male extended portions102 A-D configurations may be configured to permit electrical connectiononly with a battery having a corresponding keying feature 112, 212configuration. According to the embodiments shown, the four differentmale extended portion 102A-D configurations may be: Sub-C NiMH Specific;2/3A NiMH Specific; LiPo; and, Legacy. Each of the male extended portion102A-D configurations shown may allow for only electrical connectionwith a female connector 200 implemented with the corresponding femaleextended portion 202A-D and may correspond to a specific compatiblebattery chemistry and/or cell count, or may correspond to more than onespecific battery chemistries and/or cell counts. It is noted that theparticular embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-12 are provided forillustration, only, and are not intended to limit the scope of thekeying features 112, 212 to only those of the embodiments shown.

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the first male extended portion 102Aconfiguration may comprise of the keying features 112A-C which may allowelectrical connection with a female connector 200 implemented with thefirst female extended portion 202A configuration. The first femaleextended portion 202A configuration may be implemented with the keyingfeatures 212A-C which may correspond with the keying features 112A-C ofthe first male extended portion 102A. In an embodiment, the first maleextended portion 102A may be implemented on electrically powered devicescompatible for use with only Sub-C batteries, for example.Correspondingly, the first female extended portion 202A configurationmay be implemented only on Sub-C batteries such that only the correctbattery and device pairing may be permitted by the keying features 112,212 of the respective male and female connectors 100, 200. All otherbattery chemistries and/or cell counts, such as 2/3A, LiPo and Legacytype connectors, may be prevented from electrically connecting withelectrically powered devices configured with the first male extendedportion 102A and compatible for use with only Sub-C batteries.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the first male extended portion102A may comprise a first male keying feature 112A, a second male keyingfeature 112B, and a third male keying feature 112C. The first malekeying feature 112A may comprise a ridge protruding to within the socketformed by the first male extended portion 102A. The first male keyingfeature 112A may comprise a substantially triangularly prismatic shape,having a triangular cross section as viewed from the perspective of FIG.9. The first male keying feature 112A and may extend along at least aportion of the length of male extended portion 102 along a directionsubstantially aligned with the direction of insertion of the femaleextended portion 202A to within the first male extended portion 102A.The first male keying feature 112A may comprise a portion of the leadingedge of the male housing 100A, B Additionally, as shown, the first malekeying feature 112A may be disposed along a surface of the socket orshroud formed by the first male extended portion 102A facingsubstantially toward the male terminals 104, 116. The first male keyingfeature 112A may comprise one or more internal surfaces of the socket orshroud formed. Further, as shown, the first male keying feature may bedisposed along an inner surface of the socket or shroud formed by thefirst male extended portion 102A whereby the contact surfaces of themale power terminals 104A, B face substantially away from the innersurface of the socket or shroud on which the first male keying feature112A is disposed. As shown, the first male keying feature 112A may bedisposed at a midpoint location along an inner surface of the socket orshroud formed by the first male extended portion 102A, with at least aportion of the first male keying feature 112A disposed between therespective male power terminals 104A, B as viewed from a top-downperspective similar to that of FIGS. 7A-7C.

In alternative embodiments, the first male keying feature 112A maycomprise a different cross sectional shape or relative location thanthat shown. For example, in alternative embodiments, the first malekeying feature 112A may comprise a semi-circular, rectangular, notched,or other similar shape. Further, in alternative embodiments, the firstmale keying feature may be disposed along another inner surface of thesocket or shroud formed by the first male extended portion 102A, or at adifferent location on the same surface as described above. In anyembodiment, however, the first male keying feature 112A may beconfigured to aid in preventing electrical connection with a femaleconnector 200 implemented with one or more other female extended portion202 configurations, such as the fourth female extended portion 202Dconfiguration. Further, the first male keying feature 112A may preventreverse polarity electrical connection with a female connector 200implemented with a different female extended housing configuration, suchas the female extended portions 202B-D, for example.

The second male keying feature 112B may comprise a notch protruding towithin the cross sectional area of the socket formed by the first maleextended portion 102A. The second male keying feature 112B may comprisea substantially irregular trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front,as shown in FIG. 9. The second male keying feature 112B may be disposedsubstantially at the leading edge of the male housing 100A, B Further,as shown, the second male keying feature 112B may be oriented to face ina direction substantially normal to the direction of insertion of thefirst female extended portion 202A to within the first male extendedportion 102A. Additionally, as shown, the second male keying feature112B may be disposed substantially at an internal corner of the socketor shroud formed by the first male extended portion 102A. Further, asshown, the second male keying feature 112B may be disposed such that thecontact surfaces of the male power terminals 104A, B face substantiallytoward the second male keying feature 112B. More specifically, in anembodiment, the second male keying feature 112B may be disposed suchthat the second male keying feature 112B may be directly across from atleast a portion of a male power terminal 104A or 104B, as viewed from atop-down perspective similar to that of FIGS. 7A-7C.

In alternative embodiments, the second male keying feature 112B maycomprise a different cross sectional shape or relative location thanshown. For example, in alternative embodiments, the second male keyingfeature 112B may comprise a semi-circular, rectangular, triangular, orother similar shape. Further, in alternative embodiments, the secondmale keying feature 112B may be disposed at the leading edge of the malehousing 100A, B along another inner surface of the socket or shroudformed by the first male extended portion 102A, or, alternatively, at adifferent location along one of the internal surfaces, such as away froma corner of the socket or shroud formed. In any embodiment, however, thesecond male keying feature 112B may be configured to aid in preventingelectrical connection with a female connector 200 implemented with otherfemale extended portion 202 configurations, such as the female extendedportion 202B configuration, for example.

The third male keying feature 112C may comprise one or more features,functions, or characteristics as those of the second male keying feature112B. In an embodiment, the third male keying feature 112C may comprisea substantially identical notch protrusion to the second male keyingfeature 112B, with the third male keying feature 112C disposed at acorner of the socket or shroud formed by the male extended portion 102Aopposite the second male keying feature 112B and along the same side ofthe socket or shroud formed by the first male extended portion 102A,relative to the male power terminals 104A, B, as the second male keyingfeature 112B. More specifically, in an embodiment, the third male keyingfeature 112C may be disposed such that the third male keying feature112C may be directly across from at least a portion of the opposite amale power terminal 104A or 104B, as viewed from a top-down perspectivesimilar to that of FIGS. 7A-7C, than that of the second male keyingfeature 112B.

In alternative embodiments, the third male keying feature 112C maycomprise different cross sectional shapes or relative locations inmanners similar to those of the alternative embodiments of the secondmale keying feature 112B. In any embodiment, however, the third malekeying feature 112C may be configured to aid in preventing electricalconnection with a female connector 200 implemented with one or moreother female extended portion 202 configurations, such as the thirdfemale extended portion 202C configuration, for example. The first maleextended portion 102A configuration may, therefore, be implemented withkeying features, as described which may permit only a female connector200 comprising a first female extended portion 202A to be insertedwithin the first male extended portion 102A, preventing electricalconnection with female connectors 200 comprising other female extendedportion configurations, such as the female extended portions 202B-D, forexample.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first female extended portion 202A may beconfigured for compatibility with the Sub-C first male extended portion102A. The first female extended portion 202A may comprise a first femalekeying feature 212A, a second female keying feature 212B, and a thirdfemale keying feature 212C. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9, sinceeach male keying feature 112A-C comprises a protruding portion extendingto within the socket area formed by the first male extended portion102A, the corresponding female keying features 212A-C may each comprisea cutout portion disposed along an external surface of the first femaleextended portion 202A configured to allow the first female extendedportion 202A to fit within the first male extended portion 102A.

The first female keying feature 212A may comprise a groove extendinginto an outer surface of the plug formed by the first female extendedportion 202A. The first female keying feature 212A may comprise asubstantially triangularly prismatic shape, having a triangular crosssection as viewed from the perspective of FIG. 9. The first femalekeying feature 212A may extend along at least a portion of the length offirst female extended portion 202A along a direction substantiallyaligned with the direction of insertion of the first female extendedportion 202A to within the first male extended portion 102A. The firstfemale keying feature 212A may be disposed substantially at the leadingsurface of the female housing 201. Additionally, as shown, the firstfemale keying feature 212A may be disposed along an externally facingsurface of the plug formed by the first female extended portion 202A,facing substantially away from the female power terminals 204. The firstfemale keying feature 212A may comprise one or more external surfaces ofthe plug formed. Further, as shown, the first female keying feature 212Amay be disposed along an outer surface of the plug formed by the firstfemale extended portion 202A whereby the contact surfaces of the femalepower terminals 204A, B face substantially toward the first femalekeying feature 212A. As shown, the first female keying feature 212A maybe disposed at a midpoint location along an outer surface of the plugformed by the first female extended portion 202A, with at least aportion of the first female keying feature 212A disposed between therespective female power terminals 204A, B when viewed from a top-downperspective similar to that of FIGS. 7A-7C.

The second female keying feature 212B may comprise a cutout portiondisposed along an outer corner of the first female extended portion202A. The second female keying feature 212B may be disposedsubstantially at the leading surface of the female housing 201.Additionally, as shown, the second female keying feature 112B may bedisposed substantially at an external corner of the female plug formedby the first female extended portion 202A. According to the embodimentof FIG. 9, the second female keying feature 212B may, therefore,comprise a shape and location configured to allow for the plug formed bythe first female extension portion 202A to be inserted within the socketof the first male extended portion 102A without interference with thesecond male keying feature 112B during insertion.

The third female keying feature 212C may comprise one or more features,functions, or characteristics as those of the second female keyingfeature 212B. In an embodiment, the third female keying feature 212C maycomprise a substantially identically shaped cutout portion as the secondfemale keying feature 212B, with the third female keying feature 212Cdisposed at a location for allowing the female plug formed by the firstfemale extended portion 202A to be inserted within the male extendedportion 102A without interference with the third male keying feature112C.

In alternative embodiments, each of the female keying features 212A-Cmay comprise a different shape and/or position than shown in FIG. 9. Insuch alternative embodiments, one or more of the female keying features212A-C may comprise a shape and/or size differing from those shown in amanner consistent with a corresponding alternative embodiment of one ormore respective male keying features 112A-C, in accordance with thealternative embodiments of the male keying features 112A-C describedabove. In any embodiment, therefore, the female keying features 212A-Cof the first female extended portion 202A may be expected to compriseconfigurations allowing for insertion of the first female extendedportion 202A within the first male extended portion 102A.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the second male extended portion 102B maycomprise the first male keying feature 112A and the third male keyingfeature 112C. The second male extended portion 102B may be configuredfor use with 2/3A NiMH chemistry batteries. As shown, the first malekeying feature 112A and the third male keying feature 112C may eachcomprise substantially the same respective features, functions, andcharacteristics as described above, in reference to FIG. 9. The secondmale extended portion 102B may, therefore, be implemented with keyingfeatures which may permit only a female connector 200 comprising thesecond female extended portion 202B to be inserted within the secondmale extended portion 102B, preventing electrical connection with femaleconnectors 200 comprising other female extended portion configurations,such as the female extended portions 202A, C, or D, for example.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second female extended portion 202B may beconfigured with corresponding keying features compatible with the secondmale extended portion 102B. As such, in an embodiment, the second femaleextended portion 202B may be implemented on only 2/3A NiMH batteries. Asshown, the second female extended portion 202B may comprise the firstfemale keying feature 212A as well as the third female keying feature212C. Each of the first female keying feature 212A and the third femalekeying feature 212C may be configured substantially as described above,in reference to FIG. 9.

In alternative embodiments, each of the first female keying feature 212Aand the third female keying feature 212C may comprise a different shapeand/or position than shown in FIG. 10. In such alternative embodiments,one or both of the first female keying feature 212A and the third femalekeying feature 212C may comprise a shape and/or size differing fromthose shown in a manner consistent with a corresponding alternativeembodiment of one or both of respective male keying features 112A and112C, in accordance with the alternative embodiments described above inreference to FIG. 9. In any embodiment, therefore, the second femaleextended portion 202B may be expected to comprise a keying featureconfiguration allowing for insertion of the second female extendedportion 202B within the second male extended portion 102B.

Referring now to FIG. 11, the third male extended portion 102C maycomprise the first male keying feature 112A and the second male keyingfeature 112B. In an embodiment, the third male extended portion 102C maybe implemented with devices suitable for use with LiPo chemistrybatteries. As shown, both the first and second male keying features112A, B may comprise substantially the same features, functions, andcharacteristics as described above in reference to FIG. 9. The thirdmale extended portion 102C configuration may, therefore, be implementedwith keying features which may permit only a female connector 200comprising a female extended portion 202C to be inserted within the maleextended portion 102C, preventing electrical connection with femaleconnectors 200 comprising any of the other female extended portions202A, B, or D.

As shown in FIG. 11, the third female extended portion 202C may beconfigured with corresponding keying features compatible with the thirdmale extended portion 102C. As such, in an embodiment, the third femaleextended portion 202C may be implemented on only LiPo batteries. Asshown, the third female extended portion 202C may comprise the firstfemale keying feature 212A as well as the second female keying feature212B. Each of the first female keying feature 212A and the second femalekeying feature 212B may be configured substantially as described above,in reference to FIG. 9.

In alternative embodiments, each of the first female keying feature 212Aand the second female keying feature 212B may comprise a different shapeand/or position than shown in FIG. 11. In such alternative embodiments,one or both of the first female keying feature 212A and the secondfemale keying feature 212B may comprise a shape and/or size differingfrom those shown in a manner consistent with a corresponding alternativeembodiment of one or both of respective male keying features 112A and112B, in accordance with the alternative embodiments described above inreference to FIG. 9. In any embodiment, therefore, the third femaleextended portion 202C may be expected to comprise a keying featureconfiguration allowing for insertion of the third female extendedportion 202C within the third male extended portion 102C.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the fourth male extended portion 102D maycomprise none of the male keying features 112A-C, as described above.The fourth male extended portion 102D may be configured for “universal”compatibility, allowing for electrical connections to be made withfemale connectors 200 comprising any of the female extended portions202A-C, described above, as well as the fourth female extended portion202D. As shown in FIG. 12, the fourth female extended portion 202D maycomprise no female keying features 212A-C. The fourth female extendedportion 202D may comprise a substantially rectangular outer crosssectional shape at its leading surface. According to the embodimentshown, the fourth female extended portion 202D may be configured forcompatibility with the fourth male extended portion 102D.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 24 and 25, several additional views showingvarious keying features of embodiments of the male connector 100 areshown. The keying features shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 correspond to thekeying features shown in FIGS. 9-12, discussed above. The views shown inFIGS. 24 and 25 are not specifically discussed, here, to avoid inclusionof unnecessary or redundant language within this specification. Theviews of FIGS. 24 and 25 are provided for the purpose of more clearlyshowing aspects of the several male keying features described above.

Implementation of RFID Components within the Connectors

Referring to FIG. 1B, the male connector 100B is shown. The maleconnector 100B may comprise one or more components having similarfeatures, functions, and characteristics of corresponding components ofthe male connector 100A, shown in FIG. 1A and described above. The maleconnector 100B may comprise additional features, functions, andcharacteristics, as described below, beyond those of the embodiment ofthe male connector 100A shown in FIG. 1A. For the purpose of eliminatingunnecessary and redundant language, description of such components ismade via reference to the description of corresponding componentsprovided above.

According to the embodiment shown, the male connector 100B may compriseof additional components including the male communication device 106, apair of communication wires 107A, B, a male communication devicereceptacle 110, and a male cover 111. In an embodiment, the maleconnector 100B may be an external electrical connector of anelectrically powered device, such as an ESC or battery charger. The maleconnector 100B may include the male communication device 106 forcommunicating with a corresponding female communication device 206 whichmay be implemented within the female connector 200. The malecommunication device 106 may allow for wired or wireless communicationacross the respective male and female connectors 100, 200.

In an embodiment, the male communication device 106 may be disposed suchthat communication with the female communication device 206 is enabledat all times when the male connector 100B and the female connector 200,respectively, are electrically coupled to one another, as discussedbelow. The male communication device 106 may comprise an internalcomponent of the male connector 100B, disposed within the malecommunication device receptacle 110 of the male housing 101B. The malecommunication device receptacle 110 may be disposed along a top surfaceof the male housing 101B, as shown, and enclose an area for housing themale communication device 106. In an embodiment, the male communicationdevice receptacle 110 may span substantially the entire area of the malehousing 101B, as viewed from above. In alternative embodiments, the malecommunication device receptacle 110 may span an area of less than theentire area of the male housing 101B, as viewed from the top, whilestill extending over at least a portion of the male raised portion 103.

The male communication device 106 may be disposed within the malecommunication device receptacle 110 such that at least a portion of themale communication device 106 may be disposed directly above the socketor shroud formed by the male extended portion 102. The male connector100B may include the male cover 111 configured to fit over the malecommunication device receptacle 110 to enclose the male communicationdevice 106 within. In such an embodiment, the male communication device106 may be protected from being contacted by components or objectsexternal to the male communication device receptacle 110. In analternative embodiment, the male connector 100B may be an integralcomponent of an electrically powered device, such as the electricallypowered device 1000 of FIG. 2. In such alternative embodiments, the malecover 111 may not be provided. In such instances, the housing of theelectrically powered device may function to enclose and protect the malecommunication device 106.

The male communication device 106 may comprise a single component or,alternatively, may comprise two or more components. In an embodiment,the male communication device 106 may comprise an RFID reader, a barcode scanner, a contactor switch, or other similar component suitablefor enabling wired or wireless communication with a corresponding femalecommunication device 206. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the malecommunication device 106 may comprise more than one component which mayinclude one or more of the above listed components as well as, perhaps,an antenna, a processor, a memory, or a signal switching component, apower source, or the like.

The male communication device 106 may directly or indirectlyelectrically connect to one or more internal components of anelectrically powered device, such as a controller of an ESC or batterycharger, for example, via the communication wires 107A, B. In anembodiment, the communication wires 107A, B may be low current capacitysignal wires having similar characteristics to those of the male signalwires 109A, B, discussed above. Alternatively, the male communicationdevice 106 may directly or indirectly electrically connect to one ormore internal components of an electrically powered device via awireless connection. In such alternative embodiments, the communicationwires 107A, B may not be provided or, alternatively, may function totransmit one or more power signals for powering the male communicationdevice 106. According each embodiment described, the male communicationdevice 106 may be directly or indirectly electrically connected viawired or wireless connections with one or more internal components of anelectrically powered device. Further, for each of the embodimentsdescribed, the male communication device 106 may be expected to generateone or more signals comprising some or all of the information which maybe received, sensed, or detected by the male communication device 106.The one or more signals generated by the male communication device maybe directly or indirectly, to one or more internal components of anelectrically powered device to which the male connector 100A, B may beelectrically connected.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, an embodiment of the male connector 100 isshown in phantom view in various positions relative to an embodiment ofthe female connector 200A. The male connector 100 shown may comprise anembodiment of the male connector 100B. The embodiment of the maleconnector 100 shown may comprise the male communication device 106 whichmay be an RFID reader. In such an embodiment, the male communicationdevice 106 may comprise an antenna for transmitting and receiving one ormore signals. The RFID reader comprising the male communication device106 may generate an electromagnetic field for use in the wirelessreception of data from a corresponding RFID component, such as an RFIDtag or chip. In an embodiment, the male communication device 106 may bepowered via an electrical connection with the electrically powereddevice to which it is electrically connected for generating theelectromagnetic field. In alternative embodiments, the malecommunication device 106 may be powered by a separate power source whichmay be disposed within the male connector 100B.

The male communication device 106 may be capable of receiving data froman RFID tag or chip which is disposed within a “read range” of the malecommunication device 106. Those skilled in the art will understand thatthe area comprising the “read range” of an RFID reader may be dependentupon at least the location, orientation, and size of the antennacomprising the RFID reader. As such, the “read range” of a particularRFID reader may be configured to extend within only a desired distanceof the RFID reader location. For example, the male communication device106 may be configured to establish communication with an RFID tag orchip only at times while the RFID tag or chip is disposed at a desiredlocation, or locations, relative to the male connector 100B.

According to FIGS. 13-15, the male communication device 106 comprisingan RFID reader may be disposed within male housing 100A, B of anembodiment of the male connector 100. Further, the antenna of the malecommunication device 106 comprising an RFID reader may be configured totransmit and receive signals within the area comprising the socket orshroud formed by the male extended portion 102. The male communicationdevice 106 may be configured for close-range, or “Nano-field” reading,whereby only RFID tags or chips within a very close proximity to themale communication device may be “read.” In an embodiment, the malecommunication device 106 may comprise a “read range” of less than onequarter inch (6.35 mm), for example. Advantageously, according to suchan embodiment, and with the male communication device 106 disposed asshown in FIGS. 13-15, only an RFID tag or chip disposed within thesocket or shroud formed by the male extended portion 102 may be “read”by the male communication device 106. In another embodiment, the malecommunication device 106 may be configured to have a greater “readrange.”

Referring, now, to FIGS. 3A-3C and 13-15, the female connector 200 mayinclude the female communication device 206 which may store informationcomprising one or more identifiers or parameter settings for the device,which may be a rechargeable battery, to which the female connector iselectrically connected. The female communication device 206 may bedisposed within the female housing 201, such as within the femalecommunication device receptacle 207 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) of the femalehousing 201. According to such embodiments, the female communicationdevice 206 may be disposed within the plug portion of the femaleconnector 200 formed by the female extended portion 202.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the first female connector 200A is shown. Thefirst female connector 200A may comprise the female housing 201, asdescribed hereinbefore. The female housing 201 may have an elevatedstructure on a top side of the first female connector 200A and adjacentto a leading surface of the female extended portion 202B. The elevatedstructure may comprise the female communication device receptacle 207for receiving and at least partially enclosing the female communicationdevice 206. In an embodiment, the female communication device receptacle207 may comprise an opening within the female extended portion 202Bforming a cavity within which the female communication device 206 may bepartially enclosed. The opening comprising the female communicationdevice receptacle 207 may be disposed at a leading surface of the femaleextended portion 202B which may also comprise the plurality of openingsof the female power terminal and balance terminal receptacles 204, 216through which the male power terminals 104 and male balance terminals116, respectively, of the male connector 100B may be received. In suchan embodiment, the female communication device receptacle 207 may bedisposed within the plug portion of the female extended portion 202B andmay be configured to be insertable within the male raised portion 103 ofthe male connector 100B (shown best in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The femaleconnectors 200 of FIGS. 3B and 3C may comprise similar features,functions, and characteristics as described herein, relative to FIG. 3A.

In alternative embodiments, the female communication device 206 may bedisposed along an outer surface of the female housing 201. For example,in an embodiment, the female communication device may couple to an outersurface of the female extended portion 202. According to any of theembodiments described herein and below, the female communication device206 of a female connector 200 may be expected to be disposed at alocation suitable for communicating with the male communication device106 of a male connector 100B at all times when an electrical connectionis made between the respective male and female connectors 100B, 200.

In an embodiment, the female communication device 206 may comprise asingle component or, alternatively, may comprise two or more components.In an embodiment, the female communication device 106 may comprise anRFID tag or chip, a bar code, a component configured to engage aswitching device, or other similar component suitable for enabling wiredor wireless communication with a corresponding male communication device106 of a male connector 100B. Alternatively, in an embodiment, thefemale communication device 206 may comprise more than one componentwhich may include one or more of the above listed components as well as,perhaps, an antenna, a processor, a memory, or a signal switchingcomponent, a power source, or the like. The particular configuration ofthe female communication device 206, in an embodiment, may be dependentupon the particular configuration of the male communication device 106,whereby the female communication device 206 may be expected to comprisea component configuration suitable for communicating with a particularmale communication device 106 with which the female communication device206 is paired.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13-15, the female communication device 206 maycomprise an RFID tag or chip. In such embodiments, the femalecommunication device 206 may comprise an integrated circuit for storingand/or processing information, as well as an antenna for receiving andtransmitting one or more signals. In an embodiment, the femalecommunication device 206 comprising an RFID tag or chip may beimplemented within a female connector 200 of a rechargeable battery.Such a female communication device 206 may be electrically unconnectedto a power source, such as the rechargeable battery. In such anembodiment, the female communication device 206 may be a passive RFIDtag or chip which may be powered by one or more signals received from anRFID reader device, such as the male communication device 106. Thefemale communication device 206, according to such an embodiment, may beconfigured to transmit one or more signals comprising information storedwithin the RFID tag only when one or more signals are received from amale communication device 106.

In an alternative embodiment, the female communication device 206comprising and RFID tag or chip may be implemented within a femaleconnector 200 of a rechargeable battery and may be electricallyconnected to receive power from the battery or from a separate on-boardbattery within the RFID tag or chip. In such embodiments, the femalecommunication device 206 may be an active or semi-active RFID tag orchip. The female communication device 206 according to such alternativeembodiments may be powered by the battery and may periodically orcontinuously transmit one or more signals comprising information storedwithin the RFID tag.

According to either embodiment, the female communication device 206 maybe expected to communicate with the male communication device 106 of themale connector 100B at all times while the female communication device206 is within the “read range” of the male communication device 106. Thefemale communication device 206 may communicate with male communicationdevice 106 by transmitting one or more signals comprising some or all ofthe information stored by the female communication device 206.

Referring to the phantom views shown in FIGS. 13-15, an embodiment ofthe male connector 100 may be implemented as an external connector of anelectrically powered device, such as an ESC or battery charger, and mayinclude the male communication device 106 which may be an RFID reader.The male communication device 106 may be disposed at a location withinthe male extended portion 102 and configured to have a “read range”spanning the horizontal distance A and disposed within a vertical rangeextending within the shroud of the male connector 100. The femaleconnector 200A shown may be implemented as an external connector of arechargeable battery and may include the female communication device 206which may be a passive RFID tag. The RFID tag comprising the femalecommunication device 206 may be disposed within the horizontal area Band configured to be activated by RFID reader signals which are withinthe horizontal distance B. It is noted that the horizontal distances Aand B are horizontally fixed relative to the respective communicationdevice 106, 206 positions. Further, it is noted that the lines of FIGS.13-15 defining the horizontal distances A and B are elongated forlabeling purposes and, as drawn, may extend vertically into areas notwithin the “read range” of the RFID reader and the receiving range ofthe RFID tag.

According to the particular embodiment described, the male communicationdevice 106 and female communication device 206 may not be incommunication with one another when in the positions shown in FIG. 13since the RFID tag is not disposed within the read range of the RFIDsensor (there is no overlap of areas A and B). Importantly, whendisposed relative to one another as shown in FIG. 13, no electricalconnection is made between the embodiment of the male connector 100 andthe female connector 200 since the male power terminal 104 is not incontact with the female power terminal 204. FIG. 13 may be described asdepicting the male and female connectors 100, 200 in an unconnectedconfiguration.

Turning now to FIG. 14, as the male and female connectors 100, 200 arepushed closer together, an electrical connection is made as the male andfemale power terminals 104, 204 may come into contact with one anotherat their respective contact surfaces. Importantly, the horizontaldistances A′ and B′ now comprise overlapping distances. In theconfiguration of FIG. 14, therefore, the female communication device 206and male communication device 106 may have established an RF connectionwhereby information stored within the female communication device 206may be communicated to the male communication device 106. FIG. 14 may bedescribed as depicting the male and female connectors 100, 200 in apartially inserted configuration.

Turning now to FIG. 15, the male and female connectors 100, 200 may bepushed as close together as possible. The electrical and RF connectionsmade between the male and female connectors 100, 200 may remain intactwith the respective male and female connectors 100, 200 in theconfiguration of FIG. 15. As shown, the male and female power terminals104, 204 may continue to be into contact with one another at theirrespective contact surfaces while the horizontal distances A″ and B″continue to comprise an overlapping distance. FIG. 15 may be describedas depicting the male and female connectors 100, 200 in a fully insertedconfiguration. While in the partially inserted or fully insertedpositions, the electrically powered device to which the embodiment ofthe male connector 100 is electrically connected may be operated tocharge or discharge the battery to which the female connector 200A iselectrically connected. Further, the electrically powered device towhich the embodiment of the male connector 100 is electrically connectedmay be configured to operate in accordance with one or more parametersettings which may be set, modified, or defined using informationcommunicated via the RF connection at the communication devices 106,206.

While the male and female connectors 100, 200 translate between thepartially and fully inserted positions, the RF connection between themale and female communication devices 106, 206 may be maintained sincethe respective devices may remain within the respective read ranges ofone another. In an embodiment, therefore, there may be no location ofthe connectors 100, 200, relative to one another, at which andelectrical connection may be made at one or more of the respective powerterminals 104, 204 and/or balance terminals 116, 216 (not shown) withoutthe communication devices 106, 206 being disposed at locations, relativeto one another, at which a wireless connection may be made between thecommunication devices 106, 206. When configured in the manner shown,improper charging or discharging operation of the battery may beprevented since information stored within the RFID tag of the batterymay be communicated to the electrically powered device at any time thatan electrical connection for charging or discharging the battery ismade.

In an embodiment, the electrically powered device implemented with theembodiment of the male connector 100 shown in FIGS. 13-15 may attempt toestablish an RF connection at the male communication device 106 beforean electrical connection is made at the male connector 100.Alternatively, the electrically powered device implemented with theembodiment of the male connector 100 shown in FIGS. 13-15 may attempt toestablish an RF connection at the male communication device 106 after anelectrical connection is made at the male connector 100. Either way, thefemale communication device 206 can be expected to be within range ofthe male communication device 106 for establishing communication at anytime that an electrical connection is made at the male power terminal104. At this point, the electrically powered device may be enabled tooperate to charge or discharge the battery via the electricalconnections at the connectors 100, 200.

In an embodiment, the male communication device 106 may only read thefemale communication device 206 when the male and female connectors 100,200, respectively, are being coupled and the female communication device206 is enclosed within the female housing 201, and may continue to readwhile the connectors 100, 200 are electrically connected via one or moreterminals. In an alternative embodiment, the male communication device106 may be configured to read the female communication device 206located in other positions relative to the female connector 200, such asbeing mounted on an exterior surface of the connector, for example, orany other suitable location.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 26-28, several additional views showingembodiments of the male connector 100B and the female connector 200 inconnected configurations are shown. The embodiments of the maleconnector 100B and the female connector 200 in connected configurationsshown in FIGS. 26-28 correspond to the various features, functions, andcharacteristics shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A-3C, 7A-7C, 8B, and 13-15,discussed above. FIGS. 26-28 are not specifically discussed, here, toavoid inclusion of unnecessary or redundant language within thisspecification. FIGS. 26-28 are provided for the purpose of more clearlyshowing several of the features, functions, and characteristics of themale and female connectors 100, 200.

Automatic Detection of Battery Type

Referring to FIG. 16, an electrically powered device is shown. In anembodiment, the electrically powered device may comprise an ESC 1000which may be implemented within a battery powered model vehicle. The ESC1000 may comprise one or more controls components of a battery poweredmodel vehicle, providing an electronically generated single ormulti-phase electric power voltage source of energy to one or morepowered components of the battery powered device. In an embodiment, theESC 1000 may be a standalone component within the model vehicle whichmay electrically connect with one or more additional control componentsof the model vehicle, such as a receiver of a radio controlled modelvehicle, for example. In alternative embodiments, the ESC 1000 may be acomponent within a receiver of a radio controlled model vehicle.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 16, the ESC 1000 may comprise acontroller 1010, a signal generator circuit 1020, and the male connector100, which may comprise any embodiment of the male connectors 100described above. In alternative embodiments, the ESC 1000 may compriseof additional, fewer, or different components than those shown in FIG.16. As shown in FIG. 16, the ESC 1000 may electrically connect to thebattery 30 via the male connector 100. The ESC 1000 may, additionally,be electrically connected to a powered component 20 of the modelvehicle, which may be a motor, servo, or the like.

The ESC 1000 may receive one or more power signals from the battery 30when electrically connected to the battery 30 via the male connector100, discharging the battery 30. The ESC 1000 may be compatible toconnect with, and receive one or more signals from, a battery comprisingany of several chemistry types, such as an NiMH chemistry or LiPochemistry battery, for example. The ESC 1000 may be compatible toconnect with a battery comprising any of several different cell counts,including, for example, a 2/3A NiMH battery, a Sub-C NiMH battery, aLiPo battery of between 2S and 6S cell counts (or cell counts), and thelike. The listed examples are intended to be illustrative only. Inalternative embodiments, the ESC 1000 may be compatible for use with oneor more batteries of different chemistries and/or cell counts than thoselisted above. Specifics regarding each battery chemistry and cell countsare omitted from this description as such details are not considerednecessary to obtain a complete understanding of the apparatuses andmethods described herein, and are considered to be within theunderstanding of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

In an embodiment, the ESC 1000 may generate one or more configurablecontrol or power signals for controlling the powered component 20.According to the embodiment shown, the ESC 1000 may electrically connectwith the powered component 20 via a wired connection. In alternativeembodiments, the ESC 1000 may electrically connect with one or morepowered components 20 via one or more wired or wireless connections. TheESC 1000 may transmit one or more control and/or power signals to theone or more components 20 for controlling operation of the one or morepowered component 20. For example, the ESC 1000 may transmit one or morepower and/or control signals to set or vary the speed of rotation of amotor, to set or vary the direction of rotation of a motor, to set orvary the position of a servo, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the ESC1000 may transmit the one or more control and/or power signals to theone or more components 20 directly or indirectly, such as through one ormore intermediary devices.

The ESC 1000 may include the controller 1010 for controlling,monitoring, protecting, and/or configuring operation of the ESC 1000.The controller 1010 may be implemented with control logic forselectively enabling, disabling, or reconfiguring operation of one ormore of the ESC 1000 components. The controller 1010 may be electricallyconnected to other ESC 1000 components via wired or wirelessconnections. In an embodiment, the controller 1010 may be provided withone or more internal components, such as a memory 1012, a processor1014, and/or an input/output (I/O) interface 1016. The memory 1012 maystore computer executable instructions, operational parameters forsystem components, predefined tolerance values or ranges, and the like.The processor 1014 may execute instructions stored within the memory1012. The I/O interface 1016 may operably connect the controller 1010 toone or more ESC 1000 components such as an embodiment of the maleconnector 100 and the signal generator circuit 1020, for example. TheI/O interface 1016 may, additionally, operably connect the controller1010 to one or more external components electrically connected to theESC 1000, such as the battery 30 and the powered component 20, forexample.

The controller 1010 may be provided with logic for monitoring and/orreconfiguring operation of the ESC 1000 as part of one or moreprotection and/or control methods. In an embodiment, the controller 1010may detect one or more operating conditions of the ESC 1000 using one ormore ESC 1000 components, such as the male connector 100, for example.In an embodiment, the controller 1010 may detect the existence of one ormore electrical connections, or electrical opens, at the respectiveleads and/or terminals of the male connector 100, for example. In suchan embodiment, the controller 1010 may detect an electrical connectionat a terminal of the male connector 100 through detecting a receivedsignal via the respective lead and/or terminal. Similarly, an electricalopen may be detected by the controller 1010 detecting no received signalvia a terminal of the male connector 100. The controller 1010 may,further, detect one or more conditions of the battery 30 electricallycoupled to the ESC 1000 through sensing the respective voltages of oneor more power signals received from the battery 30 via one or moreterminals of the male connector 100.

Alternatively, the controller 1010 may detect one or more electricalconnections, or electrical opens, at the respective terminals of themale connector 100 through transmission of one or more continuity checksignals to the respective leads and/or terminals. The connection datadetected by the controller 1010 may comprise one or more signalsreceived from one or more remote devices, such as the battery 30, whichmay be received via one or more direct electrical connections with thefemale connector 200 of the battery 30. Alternatively, the controller1010 may receive one or more signals indirectly from one or more remotedevices, such as through one or more intermediate devices. The one ormore intermediate devices may comprise signal converters, processors,input/output interfaces, amplifiers, conditioning circuits, connectorsor adapters, and the like.

In an embodiment, the controller 1010 may use detected connectionsstatuses and/or voltage data as input to one or more control methods foroperation of the ESC 1000. In an embodiment, the controller 1010operates the ESC 1000 in accordance with one or more operational modesin response to the one or more connection statuses detected. Forexample, the controller 1010 may vary the operational mode of the ESC1010 in response to detection of one or more electrical connections atthe male connector 100 indicating that a battery of a specific chemistrytype, or of a particular charge capacity, is connected to the ESC 1000.Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 1010 may make comparisonsbetween one or more sensed voltages of signals received via the leadsand/or terminals of the connector to one or more threshold values. Thecontroller 1010 may reconfigure aspects of the ESC 1000 operation inresponse to the outcomes of such comparisons. For example, thecontroller 1010 may reconfigure, or disable, operation of the signalgenerator circuit 1020 in response to determining one or more receivedsignals comprises an out-of-tolerance voltage.

As shown in FIG. 16, in an embodiment, the ESC 1000 may include thesignal generator circuit 1020. The signal generator circuit 1020 may beoperated by the controller 1010 to generate one or more power and/orcontrol signals transmitted by the ESC 1000 to one or more poweredcomponents 20. In an embodiment, the signal generator circuit 1020 mayconvert input power received from a power source, such as the battery30, to one or more power and/or control signals in response to inputreceived from the controller 1010. The signal generator circuit 1020 maybe connected to the controller 1010 via a wired or wireless connection.

The ESC 1000 may comprise any embodiment of the male connector 100described above for electrically connecting the ESC 1000 to the battery30 which may be implemented with any corresponding embodiment of thefemale connector 200, as described above. It is noted that althoughtypical embodiments of the connectors 100, 200 may include communicationdevices 106, 206, which may comprise RFID sensors and tags,respectively, such components may not be used in all of the ESC 1000operations. Further, in certain embodiments, the connectors 100, 200provided may not include the communication devices 106, 206. In suchembodiments, as described herein, the ESC 1000 may determine one or morecharacteristics of the battery 30 using the detected signals at one ormore balance terminals 116 of the male connector 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 15, and 16, in an embodiment, the male powerwires 108A, B of the male connector 100 may electrically connect withone or more internal components of the ESC 1000. The male power wires108A, B may operatively electrically couple the male power terminals104A, B of the male connector 100 to the controller 1010 and/or thesignal generator circuit 1020 of the ESC 1000. In an embodiment, themale power terminals 104A, B may electrically connect the ESC 1000 topositive and negative electrical circuits, respectively, of the battery30 while the battery 30 is electrically connected to the ESC 1000 viathe male connector 100. The ESC 1000 may receive power from the battery30 while the battery 30 is electrically connected to the ESC 1000 viathe male power terminals 104A, B of the male connector 100, dischargingthe battery.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 7B, 7C, and 16, in an embodiment, the malesignal wires 109A, B of the male connector 100 may electrically connectwith one or more internal components of the ESC 1000. The male signalwires 109A, B may operatively electrically couple the male balanceterminals 116A, B of the male connector 100 to the controller 1010and/or the signal generator circuit 1020. The male balance terminals116A, B of the male connector 100 may electrically connect with thecorresponding balance terminals 216 of the female connector 200 of thebattery 30, if provided, when the connector 200 of the battery iselectrically connected to the male connector 100. One or both malebalance terminals 116A, B may receive one or more balance signalstransmitted by the battery 30. In an embodiment, the reception of one ormore balancing signals from the battery 30 may indicate one or moreconditions of the battery 30, such as the battery chemistry, the chargecapacity, the cell count, and/or other similar conditions of the battery30, for example. Further, the respective voltage values of the one ormore signals received via the one or more male balance terminals 116 mayindicate one or more conditions of the battery 30, such as the remainingcharge of the battery 30 and/or the remaining charge of one or morecells within the battery 30, for example.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the electrical connections made at the respectivemale balance terminals 116A, B when the first female connector 200A andan embodiment of the male terminal 100 are in the partially inserted orfully inserted position are shown. This may be a typical assembly of themale and female connector 100, 200 for electrically connecting thebattery 30 comprising the NiMH chemistry to the ESC 1000. While thefirst female connector 200A is in the partially inserted or fullyinserted position, the female power terminals 204A, B may electricallyconnect with the male power terminals 104A, B of the male connector 100.One or more power signals may be transmitted to the male power terminals104A, B of the male connector 100 from the battery 30 via the femalepower terminals 204A, B. The ESC 1000 may receive the one or more powersignals from the battery 30 electrically connected to the ESC 1000 viathe male connector 100, discharging the battery 30.

Importantly, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the first femaleconnector 200A may include no female balance terminals 216 for makingone or more electrical connections with the male balance terminals 116A,B of the male connector 100. No signal, or signals, therefore, may bereceived by the ESC 1000 via either of the male balance terminals 116A,B according to the embodiment shown. The controller 1010 may beconfigured to detect open connections at both of the male balanceterminals 116A, B while one or more power signals may be received viathe male power terminals 104A, B. The controller 1010 may be configuredto identify the battery 30 electrically coupled to the male connector100 via the first female connector 200A may comprise an NiMH chemistrybattery. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 1010 may beconfigured to identify the battery 30 electrically coupled to the maleconnector 100 via the first female connector 200A as a battery notconfigured for balance discharging operation based upon the detection ofopen connections at the respective balance terminals 116A, B. Thecontroller 1010 may determine that open connections are present at therespective male balance terminals 116A, B in response to sensing novoltage or signal received via the male balance terminals 116A, B. Thecontroller 1010 may be implemented with logic defining detection of openconnections at all of the male balance terminals 116 provided within theconnector 100 to indicate that the battery 30 comprises an NiMHchemistry battery.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the electrical connections made at the respectivemale balance terminals 116A, B when the second female connector 200B andan embodiment of the male connector 100 are in the partially inserted orfully inserted position are shown. This may be a typical assembly ofembodiments of the male and female connectors 100, 200 for electricallyconnecting the battery 30 comprising the LiPo chemistry type andcomprising two cells (2S) to the ESC 1000. While the second femaleconnector 200B is in the partially inserted or fully inserted position,the female power terminals 204A, B may electrically connect with themale power terminals 104A, B of the male connector 100. One or morepower signals may be transmitted to the male power terminals 104A, B ofthe male connector 100 from the battery 30 via the female powerterminals 204A, B. The ESC 1000 may receive the one or more powersignals from the battery 30 electrically connected to the ESC 1000 viathe male connector 100, discharging the battery 30.

Importantly, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7B, the second femaleconnector 200B may include the female balance terminal 216A for makingan electrical connection with the male balance terminal 116A of the maleconnector 100. Further, the second female connector 200B may not includethe female balance terminal 216B for making an electrical connectionwith the male balance terminal 116B. No signal, or signals, therefore,may be received by the ESC 1000 via the male balance terminal 116B whileone or more signals may be received by the ESC 100 via the male balanceterminal 116A. The controller 1010 may be configured to detect theelectrical connection at the male balance terminal 116A and the openconnection at the male balance terminal 116B at a time when one or morepower signals may be received via the male power terminals 104A, B. Thecontroller 1010 may be configured to identify the battery 30electrically coupled to the male connector 100 via the second femaleconnector 200B may comprise a two cell (2S) LiPo chemistry battery.Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 1010 may be configured toidentify the battery 30 electrically coupled to the male connector 100via the second female connector 200B as requiring balanced dischargingoperation. According to either embodiment, the controller 1010 may beconfigured to modify or set one or more operational parameters of theESC 1000, such as setting a low voltage cutoff value appropriate for a2S LiPo battery, based upon the electrical connections and openconnections detected at the respective male balance terminals 116A, B.The low voltage cutoff value may define a minimum remaining charge ofthe battery 30, or of each cell of the battery 30, at which adischarging operation performed by the ESC 1000 may be terminated.

The controller 1010 may determine that an electrical connection is madeat the male balance terminal 116A while no connection is made at thebalance terminal 116B through sensing one or more signals comprising anon-zero voltage at the balance terminal 116A while no signal, or a zerovoltage signal, is received via that male balance terminal 116B. Thecontroller 1010 may be implemented with logic defining sensing receptionof one or more balance signals via the male balance terminal 116A whilea no voltage condition is sensed at the male balance terminal 116B to beindicative of the battery 30 being a 2S LiPo battery. Additionally, oralternatively, the ESC 1000 may sense one or more received signalscomprising non-zero voltage values from the male balance terminal 116Aand assume the battery 30 comprises a 2S LiPo chemistry battery based atleast in part upon the magnitude of the voltage values being within apredefined range of appropriate voltage corresponding to a 2S LiPochemistry battery. In such embodiments, the predefined range, or ranges,of voltage values may be stored within the memory of the controller1010,

Referring to FIG. 7C, the electrical connections made at the malebalance terminals 116A, B when the third female connector 200C and themale connector 100 are in the partially inserted or fully insertedposition are shown. This may be a typical assembly of an embodiment ofthe male and female connectors 100, 200 for electrically connecting abattery 30 comprising the LiPo battery chemistry type and, further,comprising three cells (3S) to the ESC 1000. While the second femaleconnector 200C is in the partially inserted or fully inserted position,the female power terminals 204A, B may electrically connect with themale power terminals 104A, B of the male connector 100. One or morepower signals may be transmitted to the male power terminals 104A, B ofthe male connector 100 from the battery 30 via the female powerterminals 204A, B. The ESC 1000 may receive the one or more powersignals from the battery 30 electrically connected to the ESC 1000 viathe male connector 100, discharging the battery 30.

Importantly, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7C, the third femaleconnector 200C may include the female balance terminals 216A, B formaking electrical connections with the male balance terminals 116A, B,respectively, of the male connector 100. The controller 1010 may beconfigured to detect the electrical connections made at each of the malebalance terminals 116A, B while when one or more power signals may bereceived via the male power terminals 104A, B. The controller 1010 maybe configured to identify the battery 30 electrically coupled to themale connector 100 via the third female connector 200C as comprising athree cell (3S) LiPo chemistry battery. Additionally, or alternatively,the controller 1010 may be configured to identify the battery 30electrically coupled to the male connector 100 via the third femaleconnector 200C as requiring balanced discharging operation. According toeither embodiment, the controller 1010 may be configured to modify orset one or more operational parameters of the ESC 1000, such as settinga low voltage cutoff value appropriate for a 3S LiPo battery, based uponthe electrical connections sensed at the respective male balanceterminals 116A, B.

The controller 1010 may determine that an electrical connection is madeat the male balance terminals 116A and 116B through sensing one or moresignals comprising non-zero voltages at each of the male balanceterminals 116A,B. The controller 1010 may be implemented with logicdefining detection of one or more respective balance signals via each ofthe male balance terminals 116A, B to indicate that the battery 30comprises a 3S LiPo battery. Additionally, or alternatively, the ESC1000 may sense one or more received signals comprising non-zero voltagevalues from the respective male balance terminals 116A, B and assume thebattery 30 comprises a 3S LiPo chemistry battery based at least in partupon the magnitude of one or more of the voltage values received beingwithin a predefined range of appropriate voltage corresponding to a 3SLiPo chemistry battery. In such embodiments, the predefined range, orranges, of voltage values may be stored within the memory of thecontroller 1010. Referring to FIG. 16, in an alternative embodiment, theelectrically powered device shown may comprise a battery charger 1000for providing one or more configurable charge currents for charging thebattery 30. An embodiment of the male connector 100 may be implementedas a connection port of a battery charger 1000. In an embodiment, thebattery charger may comprise an internal component configuration similarto that described above, in reference to the ESC 1000, excepting thatthe signal generator circuit 1020 of the ESC 1000 may, instead, compriseone or more circuits for generating one or more charge currents forcharging the battery 30. In an embodiment, the signal generator circuit1020 may comprise components capable of generating charge currentsaccommodating any known charging operation commonly used for charging abattery comprising any of the chemistries and/or cell counts (or cellcounts) described herein, and above.

When the male connector 100 is implemented within the battery charger1000, the battery charger 1000 may identify the chemistry type and/orcell count of the battery 30 which may be electrically connected to thebattery charger 1000 via the male connector 100 in a manner similar tothat described above, in reference to the ESC 1000. The battery charger1000 may be implemented with logic for automatically selecting one ormore charge parameter settings, such as the charge mode, the chargecurrent amperage value, based on battery chemistry type and/or cellcount identified for the battery 30 via the electrical connections made,and signals received, at the respective male terminals 104, 116. Forexample, a limited number of charger settings may be selectable forcharging the battery 30 if at least one balance signal is detected bythe controller 1010. During charging operation, the battery charger 1000may, further, use one or more electrical connections at the male balanceterminals 116 to provide balanced charging operation of the individualcells comprising the battery 30 to bring them within a small percentageof each other in accordance with one or more known methods of balancecharging a battery.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 13-15, the battery charger 1000 may beelectrically connected via the male connector 100 to the battery 30implemented with the first female connector 200A. When connected to thebattery 30, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C and 13-15, the battery charger 1000and the battery 30 may be electrically connected to one another via therespective male terminals 104, 116 as described above. The batterycharger 1000 may detect the open connections at the male balanceterminals 116A, B and may identify the battery 30 as comprising a NiMHchemistry battery.

The controller 1010 may set one or more parameters of the batterycharger 1000, such as the charge mode or the charge rate, for example,to an appropriate setting or value for charging a NiMH battery inresponse to identifying the battery 30 as comprising a NiMH battery. Forexample, the battery charger 1000 may set the charge mode to fastcharge, peak detection charge, trickle charge, or other known chargingmethod suitable for charging a NiMH battery. In an embodiment, one ormore charge mode or current settings may still need to be set, adjusted,or selected by a user following identification of the battery 30 andautomatic configuration of one or more charge mode or charge currentparameters by the controller 1010 of the battery charger 1000. A limitednumber of charge mode and/or charge current settings may be selectableby a user for charging operation of the battery 30 based upon theidentified chemistry and/or cell count of the battery 30. In someembodiments, the male communication device 106, which may be an RFIDreader, may be required to support full self-configuration of thebattery charger 1000.

Referring to FIGS. 7B and 13-15, the battery charger 1000 mayelectrically connect via the male connector 100 to the battery 30implemented with the second female connector 200B via the respectivemale terminals 104, 116 as described above. The battery charger 1000 maydetect the electrical connections and opens made between the maleconnector 100 and the second female connector 200B and may identify thebattery 30 as comprising a 2S LiPo battery. Additionally, oralternatively, the battery 30 may be identified through detection of oneor more signal voltages within a predefined range received via the malebalance terminals 116A, B.

The controller 1010 of the battery charger 1000 may set one or morecharge mode or charge current parameters to a setting appropriate forcharging a 7.4V 2S LiPo battery in response to identifying the battery30 as comprising a 2S LiPo battery. For example, the controller 1010 mayset the charge mode of the battery charger 1000 to balance charge the 2SLiPo battery. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller 1010 mayset the charge rate of the battery charger 1000 by configuring thesignal generator 1020 to generate a charge signal at an amperagesuitable for charging a 2S LiPo battery. In an embodiment, one or moreadditional charge mode or current settings may still need to be set,adjusted, or selected by a user following identification of the battery30 and automatic configuration of one or more charge mode or chargecurrent parameters by the controller 1010 of the battery charger 1000. Alimited number of charge mode and/or charge current settings may beselectable by a user for charging operation of the battery 30 identifiedas comprising a 2S LiPo battery. In some embodiments, the malecommunication device 106, which may be an RFID reader, may be requiredto support full self-configuration of all charge mode and/or chargecurrent parameter settings of the battery charger 1000.

Referring to FIGS. 7C and 13-15, the battery charger 1000 may, likewise,be electrically connected via the male connector 100 to the battery 30implemented with the third female connector 200C via the respective maleterminals 104, 116A, B as described above. The battery charger 1000 maydetect the electrical connections made between the male connector 100and the third female connector 200C and may identify the battery 30 ascomprising a 3S LiPo battery. Additionally, or alternatively, thebattery 30 may be identified through detection of one or more signalvoltages within a predefined range received via the male balanceterminals 116A, B.

The controller 1010 of the battery charger 1000 may automatically setone or more charge current parameter settings to a setting appropriatefor charging an 11.1V 3S LiPo battery 30 in response to identifying thebattery 30 as comprising a 3S LiPo battery. For example, the controller1010 may set the charge mode of the battery charger 1000 to balancecharge the 3S LiPo battery. Additionally, or alternatively, thecontroller 1010 may set the charge rate of the battery charger 1000 byconfiguring the signal generator 1020 to generate a charge signalcomprising an amperage suitable for charging a 3S LiPo battery. In anembodiment, one or more additional charge mode or current settings maystill need to be set, adjusted, or selected by a user followingidentification of the battery 30 and automatic configuration of one ormore charge mode or charge current parameters by the controller 1010 ofthe battery charger 1000. A limited number of charge mode and/or chargecurrent settings may be selectable by a user for charging operation ofthe battery 30 identified as comprising a 3S LiPo battery. In someembodiments, the male communication device 106, which may be an RFIDreader, may be required to support full self-configuration of all chargemode and/or charge current parameter settings of the battery charger1000.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 16, an electrically powered device, such asan ESC or battery charger may comprise one or more connector portscomprising any embodiment of the male connector 100, as described above.Such ESCs or battery chargers may accommodate discharging or chargingoperation, respectively, of the battery 30, which may comprise any ofthe several chemistry types and/or cell counts (or cell counts) describeabove, via only the respective electrical connections made between themale terminals 104, 116 of the male connector 100 and the correspondingfemale terminals 204, 216 of the female connector 200. No additionalelectrical connections between the battery 30 and the ESC or batterycharger beyond those provided by the male and female connectors 100, 200may be necessary. A user need only connect the battery 30 implementedwith the female connector 200 to the connector port comprising anembodiment of the male connector 100 of the ESC or battery charger,regardless of the battery 30 chemistry type. The ESC or battery chargermay identify the battery 30 chemistry and/or cell count throughdetecting of one or more electrical connections with the battery 30 atthe respective male terminals 104, 116 and may self-configure one ormore operational parameters of the ESC or battery charger in response tothe identification of the battery 30.

In an embodiment, an ESC 1000 implemented with the male connector 100,as described herein, may be operated in accordance with the method 1700,as shown in FIG. 17, to discharge the battery 30. The method 1700 may beimplemented by the controller 1010 to select an appropriate dischargemode for the particular battery 30 electrically connected to the ESC1000 via the male connector 100.

At the step 1702, the battery 30 may be electrically connected to theESC 1000 via insertion of the female connector 200 of the battery withinthe male connector 100 of the ESC 1000. The controller 1010 may detectthat an electrical connection is made at the male power terminals 104A,B. The controller 1010 may detect the occurrence of an electricalconnection at the male power terminals 104A, B through sensing of anon-zero voltage power signal received from the battery 30 via the malepower terminals 104A, B.

In response to detection of an electrical connection made at the malepower terminals 104A, B, the controller 1010 may determine at the step1704 whether additional electrical connections are made at one or bothof the male balance terminals 116A, B. The controller 1010 may detectthe occurrence of one or more electrical connections made at none, one,or both of the male balance terminals 116A and/or 116B through sensingof the voltage value of any signal, or signals, received via each of themale balance terminals 116A, B.

At the step 1706, the controller 1010 may determine the number ofnon-zero voltage signals received via the male balance terminals 116A,B. If the number of non-zero voltage signals received via the malebalance terminals 116A, B is found to be zero, the controller 1010 maydetermine that no balance signals are received via the balance terminals116A and 116B. The controller 1010 may respond to determining that nobalance signals are received via the balance terminals 116A and 116B byidentifying the battery 30 as not requiring balanced charging operationin accordance with a first operational mode at the step 1708. Thecontroller 1010 may initiate operation of the ESC 1000 in accordancewith a first mode at the step 1708 by generating a first control signalfor setting at least a low voltage cutoff parameter to a first setting.The low voltage cutoff value may define the minimum remaining chargevalue to which the cell, or cells, of the battery 30 may be discharged.In an embodiment, the first setting may be equal to approximately 0V.The controller 1010 may operate the ESC 1000 to discharge the battery 30until the battery is disconnected from the male connector 100 or untilthe first setting voltage is reached, at which point the controller 1010will terminate discharging of the battery 30.

If the number of non-zero voltage signals received via the male balanceterminals 116A, B is found to be one, the controller 1010 may determinethat a single balance signals is received via the balance terminal 116Aor 116B, only. The controller 1010 may respond to determining that asingle balance signal is received via the balance terminal 116A or 116B,only, by identifying the battery 30 as requiring balanced dischargingoperation and may configure the ESC 1000 for operation in accordancewith a second operational mode at the step 1710. The controller 1010 mayinitiate operation of the ESC 1000 in accordance with a first mode atthe step 1710 by generating a second control signal for setting at leasta low voltage cutoff parameter to a second setting. In an embodiment,the second setting may be equal to approximately 6.0V total, or 3.0V percell of the battery 30. The controller 1010 may operate the ESC 1000 todischarge the battery 30 until the battery is disconnected from the maleconnector 100 or until the second setting voltage is reached, at whichpoint the controller 1010 will terminate discharging of the battery 30.

If the number of non-zero voltage signals received via the male balanceterminals 116A, B is found to be two, the controller 1010 may determinethat balance signals are received via both of the balance terminals 116Aand 116B, respectively, at the step 1712. The controller 1010 mayrespond to determining that a two balance signals are received via thebalance terminal 116A and 116B, respectively, by identifying the battery30 as requiring balanced discharging operation and may configure the ESC1000 for operation in accordance with a third operational mode. Thecontroller 1010 may initiate operation of the ESC 1000 in accordancewith a third mode at the step 1712 by generating a third control signalfor setting at least a low voltage cutoff parameter to a third setting.In an embodiment, the third setting may be equal 9.0V total, or 3.0V percell of the battery 30. The controller 1010 may operate the ESC 1000 todischarge the battery 30 until the battery 30 is disconnected from themale connector 100 or until the third setting voltage is reached, atwhich point the controller 1010 will terminate discharging of thebattery 30.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller 1010 may be implementedwith logic defining one or more low voltage step-down parameter values,which may define a remaining charge value on the battery 30 at which thepower consumed by the ESC 1000 discharging the battery 30 is reduced. Inan embodiment, the maximum power consumption rate of the ESC 1000 may bereduced to, perhaps, 50% of the normal consumption rate. The controller1010 may be configured to operate at the lower power consumption rateupon reaching a low voltage step-down parameter value and remain at thatpower consumption level until discharging of the battery 30 isterminated via disconnection of the battery 30 or upon reaching the lowvoltage cutoff value of the battery 30. In an embodiment, the lowvoltage step-down parameter value may be set to approximately 3.66V percell of the battery. Accordingly, the low voltage step-down parametervalue may be set to 7.32V at the step 1710 or to 10.98V at the step1712.

A battery charger 1000 may be implemented with the male connector 100,as described herein, may be operated in accordance with the method 1800,as shown in FIG. 18, to detect the type and cell count of a battery 30to be charged. The method 1800 may be implemented by the controller 1010to set or modify one or more charge setting parameters of the batterycharger 1000 in response to the specific chemistry or capacity of thebattery 30 detected.

At the step 1802, the battery 30 may be electrically connected to thebattery charger 1000 via insertion of the female connector 200 of thebattery within the male connector 100 of the battery charger 1000. Thecontroller 1010 may detect that an electrical connection is made at themale power terminals 104A, B. The controller 1010 may detect theoccurrence of an electrical connection at the male power terminals 104A,B through sensing of a non-zero voltage power signal received from thebattery 30 via the male power terminals 104A, B.

In response to detection of an electrical connection made at the malepower terminals 104A, B, the controller 1010 may determine at the step1804 whether additional electrical connections are made at one or bothof the male balance terminals 116A, B. The controller 1010 may detectthe occurrence of one or more electrical connections made at none, one,or both of the male balance terminals 116A and/or 116B through sensingof the voltage value of any signal, or signals, received via each of themale balance terminals 116A, B.

At the step 1806, the controller 1010 may determine the number ofnon-zero voltage signals received via the male balance terminals 116A,B. If the number of non-zero voltage signals received via the malebalance terminals 116A, B is found to be zero, the controller 1010 maydetermine that no balance signals are received via the balance terminals116A and 116B. The controller 1010 may respond to determining that nobalance signals are received via the balance terminals 116A and 116B byidentifying the battery 30 as not requiring balanced charging operationin accordance with a first operational mode at the step 1808. In anembodiment, the first operational mode may include parameter settingsdefining one or more of the charging methods used by the battery charger1000, the voltage or current values of the charge current, one or morepeak voltage values, and the like. The controller 1010 may remain at thestep 1808, configured to initiate a charging operation in accordancewith a first mode at the step 1808 until a user generated command isreceived by the battery charger 1000 at the step 1814.

If the number of non-zero voltage signals received via the male balanceterminals 116A, B is found to be one, the controller 1010 may determinethat a single balance signals is received via the balance terminal 116Aor 116B, only. The controller 1010 may respond to determining that asingle balance signal is received via the balance terminal 116A or 116B,only, by identifying the battery 30 as requiring balanced chargingoperation and may configure the battery charger 1000 for operation inaccordance with a second operational mode at the step 1810. In anembodiment, the second operational mode may include parameter settingsdefining one or more of the charging methods used by the battery charger1000, the voltage or current values of the charge current, one or morepeak voltage values, and the like. The controller 1010 may remain at thestep 1810, configured to initiate a charging operation in accordancewith a second mode at the step 1810 until a user generated command isreceived by the battery charger 1000 at the step 1814.

If the number of non-zero voltage signals received via the male balanceterminals 116A, B is found to be two, the controller 1010 may determinethat balance signals are received via both of the balance terminals 116Aand 116B, respectively, at the step 1806. The controller 1010 mayrespond to determining that a two balance signals are received via thebalance terminal 116A and 116B, respectively, by identifying the battery30 as requiring balanced charging operation and may configure thebattery charger 1000 for operation in accordance with a thirdoperational mode at the step 1812. In an embodiment, the thirdoperational mode may include parameter settings defining one or more ofthe charging methods used by the battery charger 1000, the voltage orcurrent values of the charge current, one or more peak voltage values,and the like. The controller 1010 may remain at the step 1812,configured to initiate a charging operation in accordance with a thirdmode at the step 1812 until a user generated command is received by thebattery charger 1000 at the step 1814.

Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain ofits exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosedare illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range ofvariations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplatedin the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of thepresent invention may be employed without a corresponding use of theother features. Many such variations and modifications may be considereddesirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of theforegoing description of exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, it isappropriate that any claims supported by this description be construedbroadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

1. An electrical connector of a battery, comprising: a battery connectorhousing comprising an electrically insulating material, the batteryconnector housing comprising: a first receptacle configured for at leastpartially enclosing an electrically conductive first terminal throughwhich one or more power signals of the battery are transmittable, thefirst receptacle comprising a first receptacle opening for receiving anelectrically conductive second terminal of a second electricalconnector; and a second receptacle at least partially disposed within aplug portion of the battery connector housing and configured for atleast partially enclosing a radio frequency tag, the radio frequency tagstoring one or more first parameter values of the battery and readableby a radio frequency reader disposed within the second electricalconnector to communicate the at least one stored parameter values whenthe radio frequency tag is within a read range of the radio frequencyreader; the first terminal disposed at least partially within the firstreceptacle and directly electrically connected to at least a first cellof the battery via at least an electrically conductive first wire, thefirst terminal comprising a first terminal contact surface forcontacting the second terminal for electrically connecting the first andsecond terminals, the first terminal contact surface at least partiallydisposed within the plug portion of the battery connector housing; theradio frequency tag disposed at least partially within the secondreceptacle; and wherein the radio frequency tag is disposed the readrange of the radio frequency reader when an electrical connection ismade between the first terminal of the electrical connector of thebattery and the second terminal of the second electrical connector. 2.The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency tagcomprises a memory for storing at least one parameter value of thebattery and further comprises an antenna for transmitting one or moresignals to the radio frequency reader of the second electrical connectorwhen disposed within the read range of the radio frequency reader. 3.The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency tagtransmits at least a first response signal indicating at least oneparameter value of the battery in response to receiving at least a firstinterrogator signal transmitted by the radio frequency reader of thesecond electrical connector.
 4. The electrical connector of claim 3,wherein the radio frequency tag is configured for passive operation. 5.A battery, comprising: at least one battery cell; a battery connectorcomprising: a connector housing comprising an insulating material andcomprising at least one first receptacle having a first receptacleopening for receiving a first device terminal of an electrically powereddevice; at least one electrically conductive first battery terminal, theat least one first battery terminal configured to electrically connectwith the first device terminal of the electrically powered device fortransmitting one or more power signals when the first device terminal isreceived within the at least one first receptacle; a first tag forstoring at least one parameter value of the battery, the first tagdisposed at least partially within the connector housing; at least afirst battery wire directly electrically connecting the at least onbattery cell with the at least one first battery terminal of the batteryconnector; wherein the first tag is disposed within the connectorhousing such that the first tag is readable by a tag reader of theelectrically powered device for communicating the at least one storedparameter value at all times when an electrical connection is madebetween the first battery terminal and the first device terminal.
 6. Thebattery of claim 5, wherein the connector housing further comprises aplug portion insertable within a connector port of the electricallypowered device; wherein the at least one first battery terminalcomprises a first battery terminal contact surface disposed at leastpartially within the plug portion of the connector housing; wherein atleast a portion of the at least one first receptacle is disposed withina plug portion of the battery connector; and wherein the first deviceterminal is receivable within the at least one first receptacle of thebattery connector to electrically connect the first battery terminalwith the first device terminal when the plug portion of the batteryconnector is at least partially inserted within the connector port ofthe electrically powered device.
 7. The battery of claim 6, wherein theconnector housing further comprises a second receptacle for at leastpartially enclosing the first tag, and wherein the second receptacle isat least partially disposed within the plug portion of the batteryconnector.
 8. The battery of claim 6, wherein the first tag stores atleast one parameter value of the battery and is disposed within the plugportion of the battery connector; and wherein the first tag is disposedthe read range of the tag reader when an electrical connection is madebetween the first battery terminal and the first device terminal.
 9. Thebattery of claim 6, wherein the read range of the tag reader comprisesat least the area comprising the connector port of the electricallypowered device.
 10. An electrical connector of an electrically powereddevice, comprising: a connector housing comprising an electricallyinsulating material, the connector housing comprising a socketconfigured for receiving a battery connector for making an electricalconnection with at least a first battery terminal of the batteryconnector; an electrically conductive first device terminal forreceiving one or more power signals from the first battery terminal whenelectrically connected to the first battery terminal, the first deviceterminal at least partially disposed within the socket of the electricalconnector of the electrically powered device; a tag reader configured totransmit at least a first interrogator signal within a read range of thetag reader for reading stored information from at least a first tagdisposed within the battery connector while the first tag is disposedwithin the read range of the tag reader; wherein the tag reader isdisposed such that the first tag of the battery connector is disposed atleast partially within the read range of the tag reader at all timeswhen an electrical connection is made between the first device terminaland the first battery terminal.
 11. The electrical connector of claim10, wherein the tag reader disposed within the connector housingproximal to the socket, whereby the read range of the tag readercomprises at least the area comprising the socket.
 12. The electricalconnector of claim 10, wherein the tag reader receives a first responsesignal from the first tag indicating one or more parameter values of abattery stored within the first tag when the first tag is within theread range of the radio frequency reader.
 13. The electrical connectorof claim 12, wherein the first response signal received by the tagreader indicates at least a first parameter value indicating thechemistry of the battery.
 14. The electrical connector of claim 12,wherein the first response signal received by the tag reader indicatesat least a first parameter value indicating the capacity of the battery.15. The electrical connector of claim 10, wherein the tag reader isconfigured to transmit the first interrogator signal for promptingtransmission of a first response signal of the first tag indicating oneor more parameter values of a battery upon an electrical connectionbeing made at the first device terminal.
 16. An electrically powereddevice, comprising: a electrical connector, comprising: a connector portfor at least partially receiving a plug portion of a battery connectorfor electrically connecting with a first battery terminal of the batteryconnector; an electrically conductive first device terminal, the firstdevice terminal configured to electrically connect with the firstbattery terminal to transmit one or more high current signals, the firstdevice terminal disposed at least partially within the connector port;and a tag reader configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal withina read range of the tag reader for reading stored information from atleast a first tag of the battery connector when the first tag isdisposed within the read range of the tag reader; wherein the tag readeris disposed within the electrical connector of the electrically powereddevice such that the read range of the tag reader comprises at least thearea comprising the connector port of the electrical connector; andwherein the first tag of the battery connector is disposed at leastpartially within the read range of the tag reader at all times when anelectrical connection is made between the first device terminal and thefirst battery terminal.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein theconnector port comprises an external component of the electricallypowered device, the connector port comprising: a connector port housingcomprising an insulating material; and wherein the first device terminalis disposed at least partially within the connector port housing. 18.The device of claim 16, wherein the electrically powered devicecomprises an electronic speed controller (ESC).
 19. The device of claim16, wherein the electrically powered device comprises battery charger.20. The device of claim 16, wherein the tag reader receives a firstresponse signal from the first tag indicating one or more parametervalues of a battery stored within the first tag when the first tag iswithin the read range of the radio frequency reader.
 21. The device ofclaim 20, wherein the first response signal received by the tag readerindicates at least a first parameter value indicating the chemistry ofthe battery.
 22. The device of claim 20, wherein the first responsesignal received by the tag reader indicates at least a first parametervalue indicating the capacity of the battery.
 23. The device of claim20, wherein the tag reader is configured to transmit a firstinterrogator signal for prompting transmission of a first responsesignal from the first tag indicating one or more parameter values of abattery stored within the first tag upon an electrical connection beingmade at the first device terminal.